Monta Ellis Rejects Two Year, $26 Million Dollar Contract From Milwaukee Bucks

The 2006-2007 Most Improved Player award winner Monta Ellis apparently has no desire to return to Milwaukee as the eight year NBA veteran has not only told friends that he’s “bolting” from the Bucks, but he also recently turned down a two-year extension from the franchise.

Per Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel:

"The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has learned that discussions were held to extend Ellis’ deal with the Bucks but no agreement was reached.As part of the discussions the Bucks offered the 27-year-old guard a two-year extension through the 2015-’16 season, resulting in a total package of nearly $36 million over three years, according to a source. Ellis would have been required to opt in to get the additional two years on the deal."

While Gardner doesn’t officially state that Ellis declined the offer, the fact that he would not opt into the new two year extension says all one needs to know, especially given Ellis’ outspoken ways on his lack of desire to return and the money he rejected.

The contract extension would have paid Ellis nearly a combined $26 million dollars for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, in addition to picking up his current $11 million dollar for the upcoming year.

Assuming there is no change of heart (Ellis would have to opt-in by June 20th), the Mississippi native will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.