NBA Trade Rumors: Who Wins in a Monta Ellis for Andre Iguadala Trade?
The Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are reportedly discussing a blockbuster trade.
According to ESPN's Ric Bucher, the two clubs are talking about a swap of stars that would send guard Monta Ellis to the Sixers in exchange for forward Andre Iguodala.
Although nothing is imminent, the potential scenario could benefit both teams as Philly would get the scorer that they desperately need and the Warriors would receive some much needed size in the front court.
Would the swap be a win-win for both parties involved? That's what we're here to discuss.
Golden State Warriors: Winners
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The Sixers have long been rumored to be shopping Iguodala despite the fact that he hasn't asked for a trade, and it appears they've finally found an interested party in the Warriors.
Although Iggy battled some knee troubles last season, injuries are hardly a concern for the small forward. Before the 2010-11 season, Iguodala played in all 82 games every season except for 2006-07, and he still managed to appear in 76 during that campaign.
Not only does he bring an element of versatility to the team that the Warriors are lacking, he also represents a radical change in culture for a young locker room that is looking desperately for a veteran leader to grab the reigns and take control.
There's no doubt that they're giving up an electric scorer in Monta Ellis, but it appears that they may be ready to hand the keys over to Stephen Curry.
Philadelphia 76ers: Winners
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The Sixers are getting exactly what they need on the basketball court if they acquire Monta Ellis.
They're a team that is absolutely desperate for a dynamic scoring option, an element to their overall attack that they really lacked all season long. Doug Collins got his group of guys to play outstanding defense in his first campaign as coach, and if they could score a few more points on a nightly basis, they have a chance to really be competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Although Ellis doesn't exactly have the defensive prowess that Iguodala has shown, his ability to be a volume scorer for the club will likely mitigate his shortcomings on the opposite end.
A backcourt pairing of emerging point guard Jrue Holiday and Monta Ellis would have fans salivating when considering their potential explosiveness, and the move would free up a spot at small forward for Evan Turner to see some big time minutes.
The only potential concern for the Sixers is one of character inside the locker room. Shipping out Iguodala would leave them without their leader, but it's time like these that force clubs to come together and grow as one cohesive unit.
Monta Ellis: Winner
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Monta Ellis might be leaving better weather behind if he heads from California to Pennsylvania, but he should consider himself lucky if he winds up with the Sixers.
The Warriors are still far out from making the playoffs, and it's doubtful that they're going to make much progress anytime soon with how the roster is currently constructed.
The Sixers, who made the playoffs last season, would stand to improve with the acquisition of Ellis and it's very likely that they'll make it back to the postseason once again next year barring any injuries or unforeseen events.
Ellis would finally have the chance to showcase just how dynamic he is to the public, and he's probably going to surprise a lot of people should he get that chance, considering that there are still some doubts about how legitimate his "star" title is.
Ellis might not be a superstar, but there's no doubting his elite talent as a dynamic scorer and underrated playmaker which would make him an excellent fit with Philadelphia.
Andre Iguodala: Loser
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It's going to be an awfully tough pill to swallow for Iguodala if he is indeed shipped to the Warriors.
After playing his entire professional career with the same club, not only will Iguodala have to move to the opposite coast, but he'll have to re-design his game to fit the needs of his new club.
He has served as the primary offensive option for the Sixers over the course of his NBA tenure, but now he'll likely have to take a backseat in the offensive sets to Stephen Curry and even David Lee at times.
Iguodala has shown to be more than capable as a facilitator, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him play a point-forward role with the Warriors.
He's got an incredible skill set that will undoubtedly assert itself on the floor, but it should be interesting to see whether or not he is happy with his differentiated role if the rumor ultimately comes to fruition.
