Knicks, Knicks trade, Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings, NBA trade deadline
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Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks is fouled by Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 10, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
The New York Knicks recently touched base with the Sacramento Kings about a potential deal for 3-and-D guard Keon Ellis.
According to Kings beat writer James Ham, the Knicks are among at least four teams that recently made an offer for Ellis, an unrestricted free agent this summer.
“I know for a fact that there are tons of teams that have called the Kings about Keon Ellis,” Ham said on his podcast, via MassLive.
“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.”
Knicks Trade Target: Keon Ellis
Per multiple insiders, the Kings are seeking a late first-round pick for Ellis, an intriguing 3-and-D player with high upside. Technically, the Knicks can offer the Washington Wizards‘ 2026 first-round pick for Ellis, even though the pick does not boast much value around the league due to its top-8 protection. That pick converts into a pair of second-rounders if it doesn’t convey.
The Knicks can trade their own 2026 first-rounder only on draft night in late June. As such, they technically can’t match the Kings’ asking price of a first-rounder.
Ellis, a career 41% three-point shooter, is viewed as one of the most intriguing prospects around the league by scouts and analysts alike. While he’s struggled to find a consistent role in Doug Christie’s rotation, Ellis has flashed enough potential in his four years in Sacramento to turn into an elite perimeter defender and shooter.
Knicks Trade Deadline Plans
Teams reportedly also covet Ellis due to his expiring contract ($2.3M) and his potential to be a plug-and-play piece on a veteran squad.
“He has not even played that great this season, but he has a couple things going for him that are pushing his market,” an NBA GM told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney of Ellis. “One, he is plug-and-play. Everybody needs another guy who can knock down shots and defend on the perimeter.
“Two, he is cheap. He makes ($2.3) million. You can take a guy off the end of your bench, put a couple of second-round picks in the deal and come away with a guy who would be in anyone’s rotation right now.”
Surely, the Knicks could be in an all-out battle that goes down to the wire to secure the services of Ellis by the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
New York is said to be shopping the likes of Guerschon Yabusele, Pacopme Dadiet and Jordan Clarkson with hopes of making roster upgrades ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Besides Ellis, the Knicks are reportedly targeting the likes of Jose Alvarado and Jrue Holiday to shore up their ball-handling and three-point shooting.
The Knicks are also reportedly pursuing frontcourt reinforcements, with names such as the New Orleans Pelicans‘ Yves Missi, Philadelphia 76ers’ Andre Drummond and San Antonio Spurs‘ Jeremy Sochan earmarked as potential targets.
The Knicks (27-18) are on a two-game winning streak after starting the new year with an awful 2-8 record. Mike Brown’s team will incidentally face Keon Ellis and the Kings (12-35) on Tuesday night at home.