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D’Angelo Russell had to go just like Monta Ellis

By Evan Quarnstrom

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks down during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks down during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Remember the Monta Ellis trade

The Russell-for-Wiggins trade is eerily similar to one that altered the course of the franchise in 2012: fan-favorite always all-star snub / extreme scooter rider Monta Ellis was sent to the Bucks for the former first overall pick and injury-plagued Andrew Bogut.

Many were calling the Dubs the loser in that trade.

Monta Ellis was the Warriors’ superstar and the face of the franchise for the previous three or so years at the time, averaging 21 points per game. Many Dubs fans were staunch believers that Ellis was the answer.

After all, his speed and explosive drives to the rim were all that Dubs fans had to cheer for in those losing seasons.

However gifted on the offensive end Ellis was, he was an undersized guard with limited defensive ability, who when paired with Curry, created a backcourt that could be heavily exploited on the defensive end.

Ring any bells?

Monta was putting up the numbers, but he was never going to be the star to take the team to the next level. The Warriors’ front office rather quickly decided that the same was true with Russell this year.

In both trades, the Dubs prioritized need over talent.

Monta was viewed as the better player in the 2012 trade, but the Warriors needed a rim-protecting center.

Hello, Andrew Bogut.

D’Angelo Russell is believed to be a future superstar on the rise, but the Dubs are in dire need of talented wings.

Hello, Andrew Wiggins.

Bogut turned his career around and found his niche with the Warriors, giving birth to a dynasty that would head to the Finals for five consecutive years.

The Warriors are hedging their bets and hoping that they can revitalize the career of another #1 pick that many have written off (Wiggins) to play a key role on a championship team.

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