The Sacramento Kings are widely expected to be sellers at the NBA trade deadline, with the likes of Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan all available. As deadline days nears, the NBA trade rumors are picking up with at least one deal seen as likely.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, approximately 10 teams are in active pursuit of a trade for Ellis. As of now, many around the league view a trade as ‘almost certain’ by the Feb. 5 deadline and it could go down much sooner than that.
Related: Latest NBA Trade Rumors on Market for Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis
It is no surprise that Ellis has numerous suitors around the NBA. While the 26-year-old guard is on an expiring contract, limiting his trade value for Sacramento, what he brings to the table is extremely attractive for just about any club with playoff aspirations.
Across four NBA seasons, Ellis has shot 41.5 percent from the perimeter and proven capable of being a role player who can make two treys per game. The 6-foot-4 guard is also a very good defender, making him an ideal 3-and-D player off the bench for a team.
Keon Ellis contract: $2.301 million salary (2025-’26)
Sacramento has reportedly been seeking a first-round pick, likely outside the top 20, in exchange for Ellis. However, Kings head coach Doug Christie has not done the front office any favors. Ellis has seen sporadic playing time in the rotation under Christie, playing just 5 minutes on Wednesday against the New York Knicks and 7 minutes last Sunday against the Houston Rockets.
That cannot even be attributed to the team protecting Ellis to ensure he is healthy so he can be traded. That is demonstrated by the fact that Ellis has made only 5 starts this season, and he has averaged just 17.3 minutes per game. While it’s possible that Sacramento could land a late first-round pick for Ellis because of the number of suitors interested in acquiring him, the front office might have to settle for multiple second-round picks.
avatar
Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college ... More about Matt Johnson