All U Can Heat
Fansided

What does Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington’s future hold?

By Allana Tachauer

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 14: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 14, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 14: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 14, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Can the Miami Heat afford to keep Wayne Ellington around?

Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington put himself on the map this season.

After a solid first year in South Florida, during which he averaged 10.5 points on 41.6 percent shooting (37.8 percent from downtown), the 30-year-old out did himself in 2017-18.

He finished the season averaging a career-high 11.2 points in 26.5 minutes, shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 39.2 from 3-point land. And oh yeah, set not only a franchise record by knocking down 227 3-pointers over 77 games, but shot a league best 207 from beyond-the-arc, off the bench.

So it’s safe to say he became one of Miami’s greatest secret weapons.

Still, there’s no guarantee he’ll be a member of the Heat next year, thanks to the team’s salary cap. As of now, the organization has 11 players under contract for 2018-19, amounting close to $120 million. And with the projected salary cap sitting at around $101 million (and the luxury tax line at $123 million), the front office has their work cut out for them this off-season. Which unfortunately may include saying goodbye to Ellington.

Although Miami does own Early Bird Rights on the guard’s contract, it would take getting rid of other deals on the books, to make room for him on next season’s roster. A definite possibility, but currently an unknown.

It should be noted however, that both president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra would very much like to see Ellington as part of the team’s future.

"“I love Wayne and we’re all hopeful of it. Spoelstra said. “…First, I know the visions of my boss [Riley]. Anything in this league, he can get done. So people are saying can you contend for a title with this team? I know who I work for. And then, secondly, I know the creativity of [general manager] Andy Elisburg.”"

As for No. 2 himself? Well, his feelings couldn’t be clearer.

"“I’m very, very hopeful that everything works out the way it’s supposed to and we’re able to get everything done. I understand what’s going on with the salary cap, the luxury tax and all that kind of stuff. But I remain confident… There are ways to get things done. There are ways to make things work out. I realized that even last summer with how it played it out.”"

Last off-season, the Heat were able to bring Ellington back by squeezing his $6.3 million salary under the cap. How? Because Elisburg is a magician, of course. He crafted Kelly Olynyk and Dion Waiters‘ contracts to include bonuses that didn’t count against the team’s salary. Allowing for the sharp-shooter to remain in Miami.

Things may be a little more complicated this summer, but if anyone can figure out how to manage a roster full of loaded contracts, it’s the Heat.

Next: Miami Heat: Taking a look at Tyler Johnson's 2017-18 run

Fingers crossed for at least another year of Ellington with the Miami Heat.

Home/Heat News