Monta Ellis has been traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for C Andrew Bogut.  Bogut, the Bucks’ number one overall pick in 2005, has been plagued by injuries all season.  Over his seven-year career, Bogut’s averaged 12.7 points and 9.3 rebounds, while Ellis has put up career averages of 19.6 points and 4.4 assists during his seven years in the league.

This trade is great for Golden State, who has been dealing with backcourt issues ever since drafting Stephen Curry back in 2009.  With Ellis’ departure, Golden State’s young backcourt can now grow around Curry, with 2011 first-round draft pick, Klay Thompson, complementing him.  The addition of Bogut also gives the Warriors another big body inside to go along with David Lee, creating a formidable duo if and when Bogut returns to full strength.

For the Bucks, adding Ellis seems like a risk considering they have a young star in the making in Brandon Jennings.  I don’t think Ellis is the long term answer for the Bucks, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the Bucks work him into their offense (I’m guessing a lot of jump shot?).

In addition to Bogut, the Warriors will also get back Stephen Jackson, who was part of that memorable Warriors playoff run back in 2007 when they upset the top seeded Mavericks in the first-round.

Along with Ellis, the Bucks will also receive Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown.  So on the bright side, the Bucks are trading a former number one pick for another!