INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers got the shooting guard they coveted.
Monta Ellis' family found the welcoming community it wanted -- and the 29-year-old got the $44 million he was chasing.
After hitting the trifecta Thursday by agreeing to a four-year deal that includes a player option for the final year, Ellis and the Pacers will now work together to bring Indiana that elusive NBA title. League rules prohibit the contract from being signed until July 9, but Ellis just couldn't wait that long to make a decision.
"Last evening they (Larry Bird and Ellis) had dinner," agent Jeff Fried said after confirming the contract terms.