Report: Mutual interest in an Ellington, Heat reunion

Wayne Ellington was a huge part of the Miami Heat’s success last year, setting the NBA record for made 3-pointers off the bench and making a game-wining layup over the Toronto Raptors in January.

It’s no secret that the Heat would love to keep him. But Ellington will be an unrestricted free agent this year, and his shooting prowess is a highly valued skill in today’s NBA. J.J. Redick signed a one-year, $23 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers a year ago.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, multiple people with direct knowledge say that both Ellington and the Heat would like to find a way to have him re-sign with Miami.

Jackson said that the Heat could pay Ellington up to 175 percent of his $6.23 million salary from last season, which would be $10.9 million. The 30-year-old sharpshooter would be eligible for a four-year contract with eight percent raises from the first-year salary.

The Heat’s roster has a crowded backcourt, even after factoring in Dwyane Wade’s possible retirement. Dion Waiters will be back next season, and Tyler Johnson will be, too. Jackson said that the Heat would like to trade Johnson, but aren’t optimistic. Johnson is due to earn $19 million in each of the next two seasons.

In spite of all that, the Heat would like to keep Ellington. I’d like for him to stay with Miami too — he has a great work ethic and he’s a genuine knock-down shooter. It’s good news for Miami fans that there’s mutual interest in a reunion.