NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Reasons Andre Iguodala, Monta Ellis Trade Should Take Place

The Golden State Warriors and 76ers">Philadelphia 76ers have seemingly been in discussions about swapping Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala for the past year, and the latest reports from ESPN's Ric Bucher confirm the two organizations are still in the process of ironing out a deal to swap the two superstars.

Although the report says the deal is not imminent, it does make a lot of sense for both the Warriors and the 76ers, as both teams are in need of shaking things up to become successful.

Here are five reasons why the trade would be good for both teams.

The Warriors Would Improve Their Defense

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 18: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat passes around Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers during game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at American Airlines Arena on April 18, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User ex

Bringing Andre Iguodala to California would make sense for the Warriors, which need a big man to help improve their defense down low as well as on the perimeter.

At 6'6" and 207 pounds, Iguodala would be an upgrade defensively for the Warriors, and he could make up for Stephen Curry's lack of defense. He has also averaged 5.8 rebounds per game over the course of his entire career and has accumulated 280 blocks since the 2004-05 season.

With the addition of Iguodala, the Golden State Warriors could drastically improve their defense, something that cost them mightily over the course of the past season and is something incoming head coach Mark Jackson said he wanted to address immediately.

The Sixers Would Create Room for Evan Turner

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In acquiring the 6'3", 185-pound Monta Ellis from Golden State, the Sixers would not only receive one of the best scoring guards in the NBA, but they would also create room on the court for small forward Evan Turner, who has a bright future in the league.

In 78 games last year with the Sixers, Turner averaged 23 minutes per game and shot 43 percent from the field. Turner also averaged just under eight points per game, partly because he only started 14 games.

The departure of Iguodala would not only cut the Sixers' payroll by a great portion, but would also give Turner more playing time and a chance to become a key piece for the Sixers.

Andre Iguodala Would Drastically Improve the Warriors' Offense

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Last season, Andre Iguodala averaged 14.1 points, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 67 games.

During his time with the Sixers, Iguodala averaged more than 17 points per game for four-straight seasons from the 2006-2010. He is also one of the NBA's best passers as he's averaged more than five assists per game for each of the past three seasons.

The addition of Iguodala to the Warriors could make for a more dynamic offensive threat.

Monta Ellis Is Clutch Late, Something the Sixers Lack

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Last season for the Warriors, Monta Ellis averaged 24.1 points and 5.6 assists in 80 games. Over the course of his six-year career, Ellis is averaging just under 20 points per game and and is shooting almost 50 percent from the field.

Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Ellis would immediately become the Sixers No. 1 option on offense, a role that Iguodala has been incapable of filling since his arrival there.

Last season, no one was a true scoring threat for the Sixers and it was a rarity for someone to drop more than 30 points in a game. Ellis has proved he's clutch in late-game situations and would also fill the team's void of effective shooters if the trade did, indeed, take place.

Age vs. Experience

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This offseason, the 76ers have made it known that they are looking for some youth to help improve their aging lineup. In contrast, the Warriors are in need of a veteran player to help coach their youth and get them to the playoffs.

Iguodala's postseason experience could help the Warriors which, with a lineup of Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Dorell Wright, David Lee and Andris Biedrins, plus the No. 11 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, have the potential for a very bright future.

For the 76ers, Ellis is the go-to scorer that they've been missing. This offseason, the team was hoping to find a scorer and some frontcourt depth. In acquiring Ellis, the team would have their scorer, and could likely draft a big man with the No. 16 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

On paper, this appears to be a win-win trade for both organizations.