NBA Trade Rumors: Is Monta Ellis Still on the Trade Block?

NBA Trade Rumors See Monta Ellis Staying Put 

Monta Ellis has been a hot name in the trade market this offseason. There were rumors he would be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic or even the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, now it appears Ellis isn't headed anywhere.  According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports Ellis is staying put.  

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Sources say [Ellis] now appears more likely to be dealt sometime next season rather than before the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement June 30. 

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The Golden State Warriors leading scorer is wanted by a number of teams. The Warriors know that if they stay with the team they have they aren't going to win a championship. Ellis is the best player they have available for trade, but no deal has been worked out yet.

I do believe that Ellis will be moved, but it could be awhile before that happens. If it doesn't happen this summer, expect Ellis to join Dwight Howard on the list of the biggest names in trade rumors. 

We know that only one deal will get Howard out of Orlando is for Andrew Bynum. However, any team is subject to acquire Ellis.

Golden State general manager told reporters that they have no plans of every trading Ellis. He doesn't believe Ellis is the problem.

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We are not shopping Monta Ellis, he told SI.com Sports. It is business as usual here. I think you have to look at what just happened in the Finals—it seemed like Dallas played pretty small guards throughout that series with Miami and did a pretty good job of it. Our problem is not the small backcourt [of Ellis and Stephen Curry]. Our problem is defense.

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He is right that the defense is the problem. The Warriors ranked 27th in the league in points allowed this past season and 19th in rebounds. They clearly need to improve on the defensive end.

The way to do that is through free agency or trades.

Since Ellis is so highly coveted, the Warriors will have to look at trading him if they plan on getting any better.

Ellis will remain a Warrior for now, but sometime next season I think he will be playing in a different uniform.