After ultimately deciding to pass on Mike Conley before yesterday’s NBA trade deadline the Pistons now have their sights set on another guard for the stretch run of the season.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons and shooting guard Wayne Ellington are “closing in on a commitment” for the 31-year-old to play in Motown.
Guard Wayne Ellington is closing in on a commitment to sign with Detroit, league sources tell ESPN. He will be a free agent once he clears waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2019
The deal which will be signed after Ellington clears waivers will presumably be for one-year as it’s expected the veteran guard will want to sign with a team looking to make the playoffs this season before hitting free agency over the summer.
And given the Pistons’ interest it certainly seems like that’s their aim this year despite what fans may want in terms of them tanking and shooting for a lottery pick.
Currently the Pistons are a game and a half behind the Miami Heat for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. The addition of Ellington should offer a bit of a boost to the Pistons’ offensive rotation after averaging 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The veteran sharpshooter is also averaging 37.5 percent from the field, 36.8 percent from downtown and 87.5 percent from the line.
Ellignton was dealt to the Suns this week prior to the deadline along with Tyler Johnson while Phoenix sent Ryan Anderson went to the heat in the trade.