On Lopez-Ellis, Warriors cap space, Bogut

Sometimes you need more than 140 characters on Twitter toexplain yourself. Here is expansion on some of my recent tweets:THE TWEET: There obviously must be"other stuff" involved in Ellis-Lopez. That "other stuff"to me, anyway, determines deal.THE EXPLANATION: Its importantto acknowledge that the Warriors cant trade Monta Ellis for Brook Lopez, despitethe rumors that are out there in the N.Y. Post. For that particular transaction,the move would likely involve at least one more team and possibly two.In addition, because the salaries of the two players dontmatch up, there would have to be other playerssalaries either coming orgoing.My point is that the other players included -- or notincluded -- in the deal would likely determine whether the deal is made or not.THE TWEET: And never forget, kids ...With cap space comes responsibility.
THE EXPLANATION: There is a school ofthought regarding the Warriors that advocates the team starting over orblowing up the roster.The idea would be for the Warriors to get way under the capand then go after some big-name free agents.If only it were that easy.The bottom line is the Warriors have never been asignificant factor when it comes to free agency. And when theyve had money,theyve failed to use it in a way that dramatically alters the shape of theteam.Two recent examples:After Baron Davis left for the Clippers, the Warriors had awindfall of cap space. They used 50-plus million on Corey Maggette, which wasan awful move.More recently, this past offseason the Warriors had capspace. But they struck out in their quest for Tyson Chandler, then made anunwise and failed offer to DeAndre Jordan.The reality is that creating cap space doesnt guaranteeyoure going to land a star. In fact, thats never been the case in Warriorshistory.THE TWEET: I understand Andrew Bogut's hadinjury stuff. But that's kind of guy you take chance on in my book. Not unlikeDavis back in day.THE EXPLANATION: I think a center such asAndrew Bogut is a much better fit for Golden State than Brook Lopez. Bogut is abetter rebounder, better defender and significantly better passer.Yes, Bogut has had injury issues in recent years, but thatcould work to the Warriors advantage. To me, acquiring Bogut would be a movesimilar to the acquisition of Baron Davis back in 2005.Thats when the Warriors took a chance on an out-of-shapeand disgruntled Davis for Dale Davis and Speedy Claxton and it paid off in abig way.THE TWEET: Last point on Ellis. He's --by far -- toughest, gutsiest player on team. If he goes, Warriors will becomeeven nicer, softer than now.
THE EXPLANATION: For all the Warriorsfans out there who want to trade Monta Ellis, I offer these words of caution.Who will take the teams big shots? Who will get the Warriors tough basketsdown the stretch of a game when the offense breaks down?The reality is that for all of Ellis flaws, if the Warriordont get the right player back, theyre going to get worse. Ellis is notafraid to take the tough shots and that cant be said for everyone on theteam.