Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout his time in the Bay Area, and this deadline doesn't seem to be any different. Ellis is still a borderline All-Star who probably would be an excellent second option for a team looking to become a championship contender, and there'll always be high demand to land him.
It seems other teams have the same idea. Unfortunately for them, the offers they're handing out don't seem to be interesting the Warriors. One such offer seems to be coming the way of the Atlanta Hawks, but it appears making a deal for Joe Johnson doesn't appeal to Warriors management.
Rusty Simmons of San Francisco Chronicle has this report.
The Warriors think they could get Joe Johnson but feel he's a more expensive and possibly inferior player to Monta Ellis. They'd like Josh Smith, but they haven't found the Hawks willing to part with the forward.
It does seem like gambling on Johnson doesn't make much sense at this juncture, particularly when he hasn't done too much with a team when he's been one of their best players. Smith is the better all-around talent, but with Atlanta committing to the explosive power forward, it looks as if they're going to have to gut their team to try and get them, so it's best to move on and look for more favorable deals.
To discuss Ellis and the Warriors, check out Golden State of Mind. To talk about Johnson and the Hawks, go to Peachtree Hoops.