Dale Ellis Returns to Seattle

Nuggets Trade Dale to the Sonics

October 2, 1997:

“Dale Ellis Returns to Seattle”

The Denver Nuggets traded swingman Dale Ellis to the Seattle Sonics in exchange for G Greg Graham, F / C Steve Scheffler, and 2 second round picks.

Notes:

The first 2nd round pick will be the least favorable of Seattle’s two picks in 1998. The second 2nd round pick will be a conditional pick in either 1999 or 2002.

Steve Scheffler will be a free agent after this season.

The Sonics will have the option to renew Ellis' contract next year.

1997 - '98 Salaries:

Dale Ellis, Seattle: $1.9 M

Greg Graham, Den.: $1.7 M

Steve Scheffler, Den.: $325 K

Who got the better of the deal?

Seattle.

Why?

The Sonics traded 2 players, Graham and Scheffler, who would only see limited time, at best, this season for Dale Ellis,a proven veteran scorer and the NBA’s all time 3 point leader. Ellis returns to the Sonics. He played there for 4 plus seasons from the ‘86 - ‘87 season to the middle of the ‘90 - ‘91 season when he was traded to Milwaukee.

Ellis had requested Denver waive or trade him before last season’s trading deadline; however, the Nuggets did not oblige him. However, since Denver is rebuilding; they no longer wanted the 37 year old on the roster.

Graham has been shopped around throughout his career. Denver will be his 4th team in 5 years. He should compete with swingman Johnny Newman as the backup to starting G Bryant Stith and F Eric Williams.

Scheffler is expected to be waived by the Nuggets in the near future.