Kings offered Monta Ellis 4 years, $48 million

Monta Ellis agreed to a 4-year, $44 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. In the immediate aftermath of the signing, reports surfaced that the Kings had offered Ellis 4 years, $48 million, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

Sources: Monta Ellis turned down more $ from Sacramento. Kings offered $48 million over 4 years

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 2, 2015

While many Kings fans may see this news and breathe a sigh of relief, this isn't positive for the Kings organization. One of the team's top targets just accepted less money to play somewhere else. Indiana has a young star in Paul George, but he's coming back from a major injury. They have a disgruntled Roy Hibbert. David West just opted out. The biggest advantages the Pacers have is that they play in the East and they have a stable, well-respected front office.

The Kings may have dodged a bullet; we'll never know how Monta might have worked out here. But this likely drives up the costs of other free agent targets. Right or wrong, Sacramento is not considered a destination for those with other options.