Golden State Warriors: Five Key Moves that Helped Build a Powerhouse

Feb 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) looks to make a pass against Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Golden State 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

3.) The Monta Ellis – Andrew Bogut Trade

This transaction was painful to a lot of people because Monta Ellis was the reason many became Warriors fans. He was eccentric on the court and had an attitude to him. Many people say that the reasons they liked Eillis so much are the same reasons they love Stephen Curry.

In the end though, he returned the favor because the trade that sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks helped form the Warriors in more ways than one. The official trade went down with Milwaukee receiving Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, Kwame Brown. In return, the Warriors got Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. While the other players didn’t really matter it would’ve been a nice homecoming for Jackson if he hadn’t been traded to the Spurs for Richard Jefferson a few days later.

Golden State Warriors

As for Monta Ellis, moving him accomplished two main goals. The Warriors acquired a top 10 center in Andrew Bogut, and it also opened up a spot at the two guard for Klay Thompson. For Bogut, he has struggled with health the past couple of years, which has limited his time and effectiveness. He has dealt with foot, knee, and rib injuries among others, but has found a way to stay remotely healthy over the course of the 2014-15 season.

Bogut provides a great anchor down low in terms of scoring but also rebounding and shot blocking. He is a great complementary piece for a guy like Curry because Bogut is known to not only come out and give him a ball screen, but also pick and roll plays which allow Curry to pass if necessary. Reason two this trade was good is because it opened up a spot at shooting guard for Klay Thompson.

Monta is very good with the ball in his hands, but off the ball he struggled while a member of the Warriors. Thompson fits the Warriors playing style because he doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to be good.

While the trade was bitter sweet for a lot of people as they watched one of their favorite players was leaving town, this trade helped the Warriors become a better team down the line.

Next: Drafting Draymond Green