Bucks guard Monta Ellis holds a lucrative player option on his deal for 2013/14, but the prevailing sentiment amongst his acquaintances is that he'll turn it down and hit the open market instead, writes Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times. Ellis' option is worth $11MM, but friends say that he has indicated that he wants to go elsewhere.
For his part, Ellis has publicly declined to discuss his future plans. While the guard may feel that he has better offers waiting for him this summer, several GMs told Woelfel that they wouldn't pay him more than he is already receiving ($11MM). However, as one GM noted, it only takes one club enamored with the guard's speed to give him a deal in excess of $11MM.
It also helps Ellis' case that there are many teams with cap space to burn this offseason. Seven teams in the Western Conference and six teams in the Eastern Conference figure to have deep pockets, which should amp up the bidding for Ellis. The guard could also improve his stock with a strong first-round performance against Dwyane Wade and the Heat, even if the Bucks are defeated in a short series.