Monta Ellis is a phenomenal scorer. He showed it off last night versus the Thunder in a losing effort. But it points to the same old story. The Warriors cannot win with the team comprised as it is. The Warriors are fun to watch but if this team ever wants to get ahead in a very very very competitive Western Conference, they need big changes. They need a big time defender and a reliable post up player (not necessarily in one person). Monta's stock is as high as it's ever been this season. Time to move him and his amazing scoring talents to a team that has at least one or two players that might fit the bill. Possible trade scenarios? Threw some of these together taking into account needs and salaries.
Orlando gets more than enough offense to make up for Howard and a some defense in Udoh. They also get to shed themselves of Turkoglu's contract. Warriors get the best center in the game and solve their defense/post player situation. Turkoglu is a serviceable forward who might rejuvenate his career in a new setting. At worst, he's an overpaid, bigger Brandon Rush.
The meat of this trade is really Monroe/Gordon for Ellis. Wallace and Kwame are thrown in as expiring contracts and cap math. Warriors get back some backcourt scoring in Gordon and some interior toughness in Monroe. Detroit gets cap relief by giving up Gordon's contract and a top 10 scorer who can play alongside Stuckey as their backcourt for years to come.
This would be an excellent trade for the Warriors. Carter is still a serviceable bench player and Gortat gives them a strong presence in the middle. Not sure if Phoenix would like it but since they are moving to youth, Ellis being their PG of the future after Nash leaves is something to consider.
SCRATCH THAT: Was looking at some old rosters. Forgot Carter got waived before the season started. In that case, I would replace him with Shannon Brown. This is actually an upgrade to the trade since Brown can still play good minutes as a reserve.
This one has a lot of risks and upside. Okafaor looks like he'll never be anything but a good solid backup center. Still he's better than what the Warriors have now (Biedrens). Kaman is the key here. If he's healthy and can get back to form, they have a very good center (Top 10?) to play alongside a good PF in Lee and a good point guard in Curry. Wright moves to the SG spot and maybe Brandon Rush moves to SF. If Klay Thompson develops well they could have him in the SG spot and move Wright back to SF. New Orleans is rebuilding and a backcourt of Gordon and Ellis would be crazy fun to watch.