NBA Trade Rumors: Monta Ellis Is Not Nearly Enough to Appease Dwight Howard

The Magic are hellbent on keeping superstar center Dwight Howard in Orlando beyond this season. Rather than going out into the market and finding the best possible deal in exchange for his talents, they're desperately trying to land a playmaker who can help keep him home.

There aren't many options on the market, though, not ones that will help keep Howard in Orlando, and the Magic are running low on time.

ESPN The Magazine insider Chris Broussard reports that they are in hot pursuit of Golden State Warriors scorer Monta Ellis in hopes of appeasing Howard's desire for more talent:

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Howard has long mentioned Ellis, who is the seventh leading scorer in the league with a 22.2 points average, as someone he would love to play with.

Golden State is willing to listen to the Magic about a potential trade for its shooting guard, but there is little on Orlando's roster that appeals to the Warriors, according to sources.

Thus, the sides are not close to having the parameters of a deal in place. Instead, Orlando will begin looking for other clubs to get involved in a three-or four-team deal that would satisfy the Warriors and bring Ellis to Orlando.

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Orlando has the inside track to offering Howard the best deal possible financially, and the loyalty factor will obviously work in their favor as well.

GM Otis Smith has been holding out on trading his prized center in belief that Howard will ultimately re-sign with the Magic when the time comes. He knows he needs to add more talent to make it possible, and that explains his desire to add Ellis.

But in reality it won't be nearly enough, not when you factor in what Howard could have in free agency elsewhere.

The New Jersey Nets have the potential to offer a move to Brooklyn, Deron Williams at point guard and two first-round picks in this year's draft. Those picks won't necessarily turn into starters immediately or ever, but it does offer promise.

There is also the possibility of Howard signing in Dallas with Deron Williams. The Nets point guard is up for free agency this summer, and while New Jersey has always maintained that they'll do everything to keep him, a chance to pair up with Dwight and Dirk Nowitzki is an overwhelmingly exciting option.

The Mavericks haven't spent any money in an effort to make a run during at players this offseason.

Landing Ellis is a solid play, but it wouldn't be enough to sway Dwight to stay long-term in Orlando. There are simply too many other enticing options on the open market.