NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Potential Landing Spots for Monta Ellis
Now that the Golden State Warriors have hired Mark Jackson as their new head coach, changes will certainly be made throughout the Warriors' roster.
One of the first major moves that should occur is moving Monta Ellis. Being a former point guard himself, Jackson likes point guards that are what we call “pass first.”
Unfortunately for Ellis, this notion might mean his time with the Warriors has come to an end.
With Ellis’ ability to get to the rim, knock down long-range shots, create off the dribble and basically score in any way, the former second-round pick will have plenty of trade value.
Let’s go ahead and look into some potential suitors for Monta Ellis.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
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The Milwaukee Bucks could acquire a two-headed monster type of backcourt with Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings.
The duo would easily be the quickest and craftiest backcourt in the NBA.
Unfortunately for Milwaukee, acquiring an elite guard like Ellis means giving up elite talent. For this scenario, Milwaukee would have to ship out Andrew Bogut for Ellis’ services.
If Milwaukee is seriously interested in making this deal happen, the Bucks will need to search for a center in this year’s draft.
A foreign product like Donatas Motiejunas could fit in very well for a team like the Bucks. Since so much emphasis will be put on the Bucks backcourt, a rookie product like Motiejunas could blend in nicely.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Timberwolves could potentially go through a serious facelift this offseason. With the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, Minnesota has the power to get top-tier talent.
Since Minnesota loves the potential of Arizona standout Derrick Williams, they should go ahead and draft him with the plan of dealing Beasley.
Beasley had a solid season in 2010, showing that he can score in a variety of ways. A trade involving Michael Beasley, Jonny Flynn and Monta Ellis could work out for both sides.
The Timberwolves could be set up for a serious bounce-back season next year. With breakout candidates like Derrick Williams, Ricky Rubio and Wesley Johnson, Minnesota could surprise a lot of people.
Don’t forget about Kevin Love either, who would love a guy like Monta Ellis to take some pressure off of him.
8. Sacramento Kings
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Sacramento could take another step forward in the rebuilding process by acquiring Monta Ellis. With his scoring capabilities, a player like Ellis could be reason enough for the Maloofs to keep the Kings in Sacramento.
However, the Kings would have to give up prized player Tyreke Evans in exchange. With the injuries and inconsistencies that Tyreke suffered this past year, trading Evans for Ellis would be a good deal for the Kings.
This deal is certainly a long shot, but since neither of these teams are going anywhere fast it could happen.
When the Monta Ellis trade rumors start to heat up before the season, don’t be surprised if the Kings throw their name into the discussion.
7. Houston Rockets
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This trade moves scoring threat for scoring threat. Kevin Martin and Monta Ellis are two of the truest scorers in the NBA today.
Both averaging well over 20 points per game in 2010, these guys showed the NBA they are serious dangers with the ball in their hands.
The reason this trade could happen is because of Houston’s need for a point guard mold of player. Houston’s starting point guard, Kyle Lowry, had a great season in 2010 but is very unlikely to duplicate that success.
Houston could acquire a point guard in the upcoming draft, but there is serious doubt that legitimate talent will be available with the 14th pick.
Houston is another dark horse in the sweepstakes for Monta Ellis.
6. Utah Jazz
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Talk about a high-risk, high-reward scenario. The Utah Jazz would have themselves one heck of a roster by adding a scoring threat like Monta Ellis in addition to their other pieces.
Many mock drafts have the Jazz selecting Brandon Knight fourth overall, meaning they don’t have a whole lot of confidence in Devin Harris long term.
On top of that, rookie wing player Gordon Hayward had a less-than-stellar rookie season in Utah.
This may take some draft picks from the Jazz, but the results could be amazing. With players like Brandon Knight, Monta Ellis, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson, the Utah Jazz could be built for a championship season before we know it.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
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This deal would make tons of sense from Golden State’s standpoint. The Warriors are in desperate need of a viable center, and former All Star Chris Kaman would fit the mold.
However, the up-and-coming Clippers might not want to deal with Ellis’ one-man-show tactics. If the Clippers were to trade for Ellis, they would likely ship Mo Williams out of town in search of a small forward.
Vinny Del Negro is known as a player’s coach, so if anyone is able to get Monta to pass the ball more it would be him.
Besides, imagine a team with Monta Ellis, Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin. That is some serious firepower that few teams would be able to match.
If the Clippers aren’t scared of a big risk, they might actually go through with this one.
4. Denver Nuggets
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Trading Raymond Felton and Al Harrington for Monta Ellis works out for both sides. The Nuggets would get another strong scoring punch, something that head coach George Karl loves.
On the other hand, the Warriors would get more depth and well-roundedness that they need. Not to mention the experience and leadership that Felton and Harrington bring to the table.
Raymond Felton is almost a Mark Jackson mold himself, being able to run the plays with patience and good decision-making.
On the flip side, if Denver is able to re-sign Nene they would immediately become serious contenders in the West.
Threats like Ty Lawson, Monta Ellis, J.R. Smith, Nene, Wilson Chandler and Arron Afflalo would all be tough to contain for opposing teams.
3. New York Knicks
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Boy oh boy would the Knicks have some serious scoring going on. Monta Ellis, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire would all dominate opposing players on the offensive side of the ball.
This trade would come at the expense of some serious backcourt players for the Knicks. Ball-handlers Chauncey Billups and Toney Douglas would go to the Warriors for Monta Ellis and their trade exception.
Chauncey Billups would be an ideal fit in Mark Jackson’s point guard-heavy offense. He is smart, quick, talented and always hits the big shot.
Unfortunately for New York, you have to wonder if there would be enough of the ball to go around. Carmelo and Monta love to have the ball in their hands, making this trade extremely risky.
New York needs to consider a bold move like this if they want to be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.
2. New Orleans Hornets
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The Warriors could soon become another suitor for Chris Paul and his expiring contract. While Golden State does not have a loaded roster like other teams, they have a coach Paul could be interested in.
Whenever former players like Mark Jackson enter coaching, they always seem to come in with high respect from current players.
This trade would involve the Hornets giving up Chris Paul for Monta Ellis, a trade exception and draft picks.
If the Warriors are able to land Paul, they might have to go ahead and trade Stephen Curry for a wing or center to go alongside him.
This deal is far from a rumor, but you know that teams are already inquiring about Paul, meaning this is not that farfetched.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
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Andre Iguodala for Monta Ellis is easily the most likely scenario. This trade makes an incredible amount of sense for both teams.
The 76ers are looking for some youth and fresh legs in their aging lineup. On the other hand, the Warriors need some veteran guidance to help them reach the playoffs.
Philadelphia has been great for their brand of “smart” basketball, but that comes with a price. The price they paid this past season was scoring.
Nobody on their team was a major scoring threat, and rarely did someone score over 30 points in a game. Monta Ellis would immediately cure their scoring woes.
The Warriors would tout a well-rounded lineup of Stephen Curry, Dorrell Wright, Andre Iguodala and David Lee.
Pair that together with the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft and the Warriors could have a very bright future.
