NBA Trade Rumors: Trading Monta Ellis for Danny Granger Wouldn't Help Warriors

It's long been rumored that the Golden State Warriors would consider trading Monta Ellis for Danny Granger.

The problem is, it doesn't make sense for the Warriors.

In fact, it doesn't make sense for the Warriors or the Indiana Pacers.

Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group tweeted on Tuesday:

"

Warriors still hold interest in Danny Granger, though Indiana won't trade him. But if you think about it, what's the better tandem: Paul George/Granger or Paul George/Monta? Perhaps the better question is what's the better trio: Collison/George/Granger or Collison/Ellis/George? ... I'd have to go with the former

"

The Warriors appear to be the team seriously considering this, but I don't understand.

Sure, Granger is better than Dorell Wright, but where would that trade really get the Warriors? They lose arguably their best player and leave a hole at guard while basically giving up on Wright after he had a solid 2010-2011 campaign.

Every time I hear about this potential trade I shake my head. The Warriors need to hold on to Ellis and wait for an opportunity to package him in a deal for a solid starting center. That is what they really need. Trading Ellis for another small forward makes no sense.

Ellis is averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals this season. Don't tell me the Warriors can't address their needs better in an Ellis deal.

Hearing rumors like this should scare Warriors fans.

New owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber promised in November 2010 to be bold and not stand on the sidelines like previous owner Chris Cohan. However, they risk becoming too bold for their own good, making a trade for the sake of it while not significantly improving the team.

Ellis obviously isn't a perfect player. He's a dynamic scorer, but his one-on-defense leaves a lot to be desired and he's an undersized shooting guard.

However, he's still a dynamic scorer who has been responsible for many of the Warriors' wins throughout the years. You don't trade him just to make a move.

Warriors fans should be thankful the Pacers aren't interested in this deal, because the Pacers are keeping the Warriors organization from making another bone-headed decision.