The first rumor of any significance has finally popped up. According to ESPN’s Ric Bucher, the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76’ers are discussing a trade which would send swingman Andre Iguodala to Oakland for scoring machine Monta Ellis.
It’s an interesting idea that would start to change the identities of each team. Golden State would get a guy who actually plays some defense to go along with his scoring. The Warriiors would also open things up for Stephen Curry on the perimeter, giving the Warriors a pseudo-Celtics like perimeter attack with a slasher (Iguodala/Paul Pierce) and a shooter (Curry/Ray Allen).
Meanwhile Philadelphia would now have more room for Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young to operate while adding an explosive scorer in Ellis. The question there, though, is Ellis’ effect on all these young players in Philly. Ellis is not shy about shooting the rock. The Sixers have some good, young perimeter players that need to grow. The potential exists for Ellis to stunt that growth a little.
Philly would also be dumping a little salary. Iguodala is owed about $44 million over the next three seasons. Ellis is owed $33. But under the current CBA (which we know won’t last much longer) the salaries are close enough for a straight-up trade. Golden State might be looking to make a splash as new coach Mark Jackson steps in. And while Iguodala doesn’t bring the same star power as some other players, he does bring a style that will help re-shape the team for the better.
Associated Press photo
