The Kings are reportedly looking to grab Monta Ellis because they believe you can never have too many ball-dominant guards, apparently. And in those efforts, they're looking to move some salary to make Ellis, a free agent, a sizable offer, including trading Jimmer Fredette. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger confirms an ESPN report:
It's not clear what the market is for Ellis at this point, but a league source confirmed to CBSSports.com on Monday that the Kings are investigating their options for moving Chuck Hayes and Jimmer Fredette to accommodate Ellis' desire for a contract starting at $12 million per year. It may be Ellis' last chance to recoup the money he opted out of in Milwaukee.
via Sources: Kings, Monta Ellis discussing deal -- CBSSports.com.
Fredette was a massive star in college, but struggled with the transition to the pros, especially on the defensive end. He had some good moments last year on the Kings' trainwreck, though, and has managed to stick around. Kid can still shoot the lights out, that's for certain.
Fredette averaged seven points and one assist per game last year for the Kings. He shot just 42 percent from the field, but also shot 42 percent from 3, with a respectable 55 percent True Shooting mark (factoring threes and free throws).
The Cavaliers are among the teams interested in Fredette, and he would give the Cavs a good third guard to use as a shooter and develop for cheap. Hayes is a solid big, but would be a bit unnecessary in their frontcourt, which includes Anderson Varejao, Tristan Thompson,and No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett. Oh, and they're interested in Andrew Bynum, according to reports. So that could complicate matters.
But if nothing else, it appears the Kings' interest in Ellis is legit, and Fredette is on the trade table if a team wants to go get the former BYU star.
