The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

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:

• • • 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.