Knicks: Predicting which potential free agents will return to New York

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Wayne Ellington, New York Knicks (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks free agents: Wayne Ellington

2019-20 Stats: 5.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 35 FG%, 35.1 3P%

Prediction: Signs Elsewhere

Much like Reggie Bullock, Wayne Ellington was signed to the Knicks to provide shooting to a roster crowded with non-shooters. However, under David Fizdale, Ellington quickly fell out of the rotation and racked up multiple DNPs.

It was not until the firing of Fizdale – with interim head coach Mike Miller taking his place – that Ellington started to receive minutes and opportunities to showcase his shooting.

Wayne Ellington came close to asking the Knicks for a buyout given the team’s glut of shooting guards. He ultimately resisted going through with it, and Miller began to utilize Ellington as a key rotational piece.

However, his shot has been disappointing considering his success with the Heat and Pistons a few seasons prior to his tenure with the Knicks. Ellington is starting to get up there in age at 32-years-old, and outside of his three-point shooting, offers little to the team compared to their other shooting guards. Ellington’s 35.1% three-point average this season is his worst since his third season in the league.

With $8 million non-guaranteed next season, the Knicks will likely come to the conclusion that the price to keep Ellington usurps the production they can get from him. With RJ Barrett in tow and potentially Damyean Dotson and Reggie Bullock, Ellington makes little sense for the Knicks.