The NBA is a tough business, and sometimes people are hurt.

Monta Ellis knows that all too well and spoke about how he was burned by the Golden State Warriors at the height of his career.

Talking to the “Out The Mud” podcast, Ellis got real about how it felt to be traded by the Warriors.

“I love Golden State, you know what I mean? They gave me my opportunity. The way it went down is what really hurt me or affected me. And it’s similar to what happened to Luka Doncic,” Ellis said, via Legion Hoops.

Monta Ellis on being traded from the Warriors:

“I love Golden State, you know what I mean? They gave me my opportunity. The way it went down is what really hurt me or affected me. And it’s similar to what happened to Luka Doncic.”

(via @OutTheMudTL) pic.twitter.com/P1ZAMKgXi0

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 9, 2025

Ellis spent his first few seasons playing for the Warriors after being drafted by them in 2005.

During his seven seasons with Golden State, he averaged 19.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

Ellis was a major part of the franchise, a winner of Most Improved Player, and one of the most exciting guards in the league.

But then the Warriors traded him in March of 2012, sending him to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

At the time, some Warriors fans were upset, not understanding why they had to say goodbye to Ellis.

Ultimately, it worked out well for Golden State because they were assembling the team that would eventually win them championships.

Ellis knows that it wasn’t personal and the Warriors were simply doing what they felt was best, but he was still hurt at the time.

It’s the same thing that happened to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, according to Ellis, and it’ll likely sting for a long time.

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