NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic "Not Close" to Monta Ellis Trade, but Golden State Warriors "Willing to Listen," According to Report

ESPN's Chris Broussard is the latest media member to report the Orlando Magic have engaged the Golden State Warriors in trade discussions regarding Warriors shooting guard Monta Ellis. "Orlando is trying to add Ellis to its roster in hopes of appeasing Dwight Howard," its franchise center who can become a free agent this summer. Orlando is working diligently to add a second star player to improve its team as well as its chances of keeping Howard. That Howard is a fan of Ellis, as Broussard notes, certainly adds to Ellis' appeal.

While the Warriors are "willing to listen" to the Magic's offers, Broussard says, "there is little on Orlando's roster that appeals to the Warriors, according to sources." Golden State's biggest personnel need is for another big man, which is one reason it's interested in trading for Howard if Orlando chooses to play it safe and deal the six-time All-Star before the March 15th NBA trade deadline. According to Broussard, the Warriors have indicated to the Magic they'd be willing to part with Ellis in a trade for Howard.

Broussard says Orlando's best chance of landing Ellis is to involve other teams with better assets to offer Golden State in trade discussions.

Ellis, now in his seventh season out of Lanier High School, is the NBA's sixth-leading scorer, posting 22.2 points per game. He's also averaging 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals.

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