With the Warriors working actively to find a trade they like before the deadline, Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News decided to explore what sort of package Golden State could be seeking for Monta Ellis, one of the team's prime trade chips.
According to Kawakami, the Timberwolves and Warriors discussed a trade last June, with the Timberwolves offering Michael Beasley and Nikola Pekovic for Ellis, while the Warriors wanted to expand the deal to land Minnesota's top draft pick as well. As Kawakami points out, Minnesota wouldn't make such an offer now, with Pekovic having taken a huge step forward this season (17.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG in February), but at the time, each side thought the other was asking for too much.
Ellis' 2011/12 numbers have been as good as ever – his 19.4 PER would be a career high – so there's no reason to think the Warriors have dropped their asking price since June. Golden State is thought to be seeking a young star in return for Ellis, and Kawakami hears the team doesn't want to trade the 26-year-old for just cap relief.
But is there a team out there who would part with a young star for Ellis? As talented as he is, the former second-round pick is an undersized two guard who isn't particularly strong on defense, and is owed $11MM per season through 2013/14. I can't think of many teams who would be willing and able to meet the Warriors' asking price, and I can't see the Warriors lowering their demands much, given Ellis' scoring prowess. Unless something changes over the next few weeks, I think we should expect Ellis to remain in Golden State past March 15th.
Gerrald Wallace and Wesley Mathews for Monta Ellis and Brandon Rush.
Evan turner jodie Meeks and a first round pick for ellis
I’ll give a second round pick but not a first
Monta Ellis has averaged 22.4 points in 37.6 minutes per game. Lou Williams has averaged 15.7 points in 26.5 minutes per game, which is exactly the same points per minute played. Ellis has a slightly higher shooting pct, but Williams defense is prob just as good and his contract has to be better. Williams is 25, Ellis is 26. So give Williams more minutes, and its a mystery to me why so many Sixers fans want to trade for Ellis.
Ellis wouldn’t replace Lou he would play with Lou
So you would sit Jrue Holiday and have Ellis play the point? btw it wouldn’t surprise me if the Sixers moved Evan Turner somewhere; he seems to be in Collins doghouse. The last guy in his doghouse (Speights) is now starting in Memphis and the Sixers are lacking depth in the front court.
no he’d start at sg for Meeks as in golden state and lou would still be the 6th man
Sixers fan
Do you watch the games? Lou Williams is the same streak shooter that he’s always been for the past seven seasons. He’s currently 15 for his last 53 from the floor, but continues to get the green light from Coach Collins. Philly needs a consistent scorer and a force on the boards to get back on track. Hopefully, both Williams and Andre Iguodala both punch their tickets out of town. The Sixers won’t get to the next level with them.