Monta Ellis on His Way Out of GS?

by Sam Riches / @sam_riches

Monta Ellis is no stranger to trade rumors. The 6-3 guard has been the focus of trade talk for the majority of his six year career.

The latest rumor, in a scenario that seems more likely to have been cooked up by an overzealous fan using the ESPN trade machine than to be a legitimate possibility, has Ellis heading to Orlando for Dwight Howard.

But it now appears Ellis has grown tired of hearing the rumors and is asking for a ticket out of the Bay Area.

From Peter Vecsey and The New York Post:

“A few days ago, it appeared as if the Warriors had decided to keep Ellis despite some very attractive propositions. However, late yesterday, they were back to giving serious thought to moving him if the pitch blew them away.

Word has it Ellis’ agent, Jeff Fried, who did not return my call, informed management his client wants to be dealt.”

Mark Jackson, the Warriors newly appointed head coach has made his position clear—stating he wants Ellis to remain on the team while also propositioning that he is the third best shooting guard in the League.

Ellis is due $22 million over the next two seasons, with a player option for the year after that. With six days remaining before the NBA labor agreement expires, Golden State is going to have to act fast if they hope to find a taker.