Warriors Monta Ellis demands traded

It's now a certainty that Monta Ellis won't be joining the Warriors on this road trip, which continues tonight against Detroit. But his agent says Ellis will return to Oakland on Sunday and be ready to take the court for the ensuing homestand. Uncertainty, however, hangs over the reason for his departure, originally said to be a family matter in Mississippi. Some members of the organization, according to multiple team sources, believe Ellis' departure was at least in part a protest or gesture of his unhappiness. As indicators, sources cited Ellis not sticking around for the team photo, which was taken before Friday's game against Charlotte. Also, according to the sources, he left with an amount of luggage that suggested he wasn't coming back soon, and has exhibited a noticeable discontent. According to the sources, Ellis has shunned huddles when he's not in the game, been late to shootarounds and practices without reason, and -- in moments of frustration on the court -- has voiced his desire to be traded