NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Must Not Let Magic Steal Monta Ellis

The Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic have gotten down to brass tacks.

The Warriors have been rumored to be eyeing superstar center Dwight Howard (Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com had the latest scoop), but the latest word from ESPN's Chris Broussard is that the Magic and Warriors are talking about a trade involving another star:

"

Orl has reached out to G State bout trading for Monte Ellis. No deal imminent, but Orl hoping to add Ellis to appease D Howard, sources say

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) March 1, 2012"

So instead of dealing Howard to the Warriors to make them happy, the Magic would just as soon make a deal for Ellis to make Howard happy.

Exactly why this deal would make the Warriors happy is unclear.

In a full report, Broussard clarifies that the Warriors aren't very impressed with Orlando's roster. Not surprisingly, the two sides are therefore "not close" on the parameters of a deal.

Apparently, all they're doing is talking.

The Warriors are playing a dangerous game here. The team's new regime has done everything in its power to send a message that things are going to be different under their watch. They don't want the Warriors to be an also-ran anymore, nor do they want the team's reputation to be as an also-ran.

Trading for Howard would be risky enough, as the team would have no assurances that Howard would be willing to sign an extension after coming over to the Bay Area. If the Warriors trade Ellis without getting Howard in exchange, they'll be sending a message that's the exact opposite of the one they want to send. They can't reach for one star player only to turn around and trade their own star player for spare parts.

If the Warriors are going to give up Ellis without getting Howard, it goes without saying that they need to get as much as they possibly can in return. The Magic are apparently willing to make it happen, as Broussard says they will begin looking for a third and maybe a fourth team to bring into the mix.

Ideally, the Warriors will be getting a much-coveted big man back in return in an Ellis trade. If they can't get Howard, they had better get another capable big man, and then whatever else they can get their hands on.

It's up to the Magic to make it happen. If they want Ellis, they better make the Warriors an offer they can't refuse.