The Celtics are on the hunt for upgrades with the trade deadline just over a week away. However, Boston is reportedly seeking some help beyond the frontcourt.
Kings beat reporter James Ham reports that Boston is one of several suitors that have inquired about Sacramento guard Keon Ellis ahead of next week’s deadline.
I know for a fact that there are tons of teams that have called the Kings about Keon Ellis,” Ham said on the Locked on Kings podcast. “According to my sources, here’s some names you have to keep in mind. The Minnesota Timberwolves, the Indiana Pacers, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have all called on Keon Ellis.”
Ellis, 26, is averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game this year for Sacramento in a reserve role. The 6-foot-4 guard is in his fourth NBA season but has seen a downturn in playing time this year amid a crowded Kings backcourt with Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder all seeing bigger minutes ahead of him.
On the surface, there wouldn’t seem to be much of a need for Ellis in Boston’s deep backcourt. However, that could change if the Celtics end up dealing reserve guard Anfernee Simons before the trade deadline in order to obtain some center help.
In that scenario, Ellis could be a potential low-cost target for Boston as a replacement. He’s earning just $2.3 million this year in the final season of his contract and is also eligible for an extension just days after the trade deadline.
That cheap salary is undoubtedly making Ellis appealing to other teams as well so the Celtics would have to give up some value to land him in all likelihood. Boston has three draft picks for 2026 including two second-round picks that are expected to land in the 30s (New Orleans, Milwaukee). Boston could also consider dealing from their deep surplus of young wings ahead of Jayson Tatum’s looming return.
Any pursuit of Ellis will likely come down to what ends up happening with Simons. If Boston opts to hold onto their offseason trade addition, it’s hard to see Ellis remaining a target.
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.