The Golden State Warriors have already made two major moves this off-season, firing coach Keith Smart and replacing him with former player and TV personality Mark Jackson. Now, it appears the Warriors are looking to make a move with an actual player.
Monta Ellis, who has led the Warriors in scoring each of the past two seasons, has reportedly been shopped around by Golden State in hopes of finding a player that will mesh better with young point guard Stephen Curry, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Ellis, who can play both guard positions, teamed up with Curry to form a dynamic, but undersized, backcourt duo this season.
One of the deals that reportedly "has legs" includes Golden State sending Ellis to Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala. While the 6-foot-6 Iguodala may not be as talented a scorer as Ellis, he could provide the Warriors versatility because of his additional size and defensive acumen.
Other names being passed around include Grizzlies star Rudy Gay, Chicago forward Luol Deng and Denver Nuggets center Nene.
According to league sources, the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers have also shown interest in the guard. Ellis may be the scorer that finally eases Magic star Dwight Howard's heavy scoring burden and puts Orlando over the hump. L.A. would presumably place Ellis at point guard and eventually replace Kobe Bryant at his natural shooting guard position in a couple of years.
Two seasons ago, Ellis was reportedly part of a rumored deal that would have landed him in Boston for Ray Allen.
