Earlier there were reports that should guard Monta Ellis opt in for the final year of his contract worth $8.7 million that the Dallas Mavericks would be looking to trade him. The explosive scoring guard saved the Mavs the trouble by opting out and deciding to enter free agency instead, the Associated Press reports.

According to Ellis' agent Jeff Fried, the decision "wasn't about Dallas as much as it was about what's best for Monta," who will become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Ellis was a big part of the Mavs' early season success, building great chemistry with Dirk Nowitzki as Dallas' primary ball handler on his way to averaging 18.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. In five postseason games against the Houston Rockets, Ellis fared even better averaging 26 points 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

The Mavs have long been rumored to pursue big men LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan in free agency.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and the Indiana Pacers have expressed early interest in acquiring the dynamic scoring talents of Ellis, who has proven he can mesh with top talent as he did in Dallas.

The Hawks found out in the recent Eastern Conference Finals that they need someone from the perimeter outside of Jeff Teague that can consistently create scoring opportunities and Ellis certainly fits that role.

The Pacers have long needed more scoring creativity beyond Paul George, and having lost Lance Stephenson the season before, and with David West recently opting out of his contract, Indiana needs offensive firepower more than ever.

For the Heat, the rumors surrounding Dwyane Wade's future have led to the expressed interest in Ellis.

But while it seems unlikely that Ellis will be donning a Mavs jersey next season, Fried said his client has not ruled out a return to Dallas where Ellis resurrected his career.