Monta Ellis: Trade scenarios involving the Golden State Warriors guard – NBA Feature (Part -2)
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Oklahoma City Thunder is one of those teams in the league that have nearly all the bases covered and that too with guys, who are very young and extremely talented. Before the season began, nobody in NBA thought that they would go that far in the championship hunt, but not only did they qualify for the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, they also thrashed several title contenders emphatically during the competition.
So, including OKC in the list of teams, who would want Ellis in a trade, seems rather strange. However, there is a reason behind it.
The Thunder are almost a complete team at the moment, with the likes of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden at the front and Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka at the deep end of the court.
However, even though they are very close to be the best team in the West last time around, they are still inexperienced and to quickly charge to the top, they still require a cutting edge. The cutting edge could be provided by the induction of Monta Ellis – a move that would create a big three in the franchise.
If this potential move took place in the next season, the Oklahoma City Thunder would be unstoppable for almost every opponent in the league. The Thunder is already playing with two superstars in the form of Durant and Westbrook and one more star will increase their overall productivity on the offense.
Monta’s move seems a little tough to visualize though.
The Warriors are willing to let go of Monta because they want some decent options to shore up their defensive system. If they trade Ellis to OKC, they would definitely want one of OKC’s bigs, Serge Ibaka or Perkins. With the latter, brought in specifically to add some much needed experience in the Thunder ranks, Ibaka is left as the lone exchangeable option.
Considering that OKC has taken great pains to build up this team in the last few years, it would be very unlikely that they will agree to this arrangement.
It is true that with Ellis in their ranks, they will be a more formidable team and might even go on to win the next season, but it is also a fact that they are very close to doing so with their available resources.
It will take more time, yes, but at the same time, they will be saved from losing a lot of cash and a player who loves to play for the franchise and is one of the top shot blockers in the league.
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