The power forward never turned out to be the all-around offensive threat that Van Gundy envisioned.
Of the six players the Pistons drafted during Van Gundy's four-year tenure as head coach and president, just one remains on the roster: Luke Kennard (No. 12 overall, 2017).
Ellenson's release comes as little surprise, as the Pistons had already declined his option for next season and didn't plan on re-signing him. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The Pistons are adding Ellington, who was traded on Wednesday from Miami to Phoenix and subsequently waived, in an attempt to make the playoffs. The 10-year vet averaged 8.4 points while shooting about 37 percent from three in 25 games this season for the Heat.
Ellington figures to help fill the shoes of Reggie Bullock, who was dealt on Tuesday to the Lakers.
Detroit is 24-29 and 1.5 games out of the playoffs heading into play Friday night.