We are less than one week away from the NBA trade deadline (Thursday at 12 pm PT), meaning the time has come for the Sacramento Kings to make some moves.
While players on large contracts like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan are at the forefront of the Kings’ to-do list when it comes to restructuring this roster, Keon Ellis’ name continues to be popular in trade talks.
The Athletic‘s Sam Amick joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share his thoughts on where things stand for Ellis, whose future in Sacramento appears to be coming to an end in the coming days.
While the Kings have yet to move the three-and-D guard, Amick says Ellis has an established market as teams begin to submit offers before Thursday’s deadline.
“I’m not shocked, but I am a little surprised that nothing’s actually gone down there yet,” Amick said of Ellis. “I think and assume — and I’ve probably heard — that the market is really good.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on October 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
More on Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis
“There are about 14 teams that have shown interest in Keon. And the Kings have made it clear they’re looking for a first-round pick.”
Ellis, who was signed by the Sacramento Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has become a respectable shooter (41.4% from 3-point range during his career) and a lockdown defender (fifth among all NBA players in steals last season).
Although a trade hasn’t happened yet, Amick says the next five to six days could change how interested teams approach Sacramento.
“I think the fact that there’s still a lot of time before the deadline matters,” Amick said. “Teams aren’t really incentivized to put their best offer on the table unless they’re trying to win games right now and want that guy immediately.”
If the Sacramento Kings are going to part with Ellis, who is on an expiring $2.3 million contract and is extension-eligible later next week, they have made it clear they want a first-round pick in return–but that may be too steep an ask for teams.
“I’m curious to see if they ultimately get that first,” Amick said. “You can have a lot of interest, but I’ve run into some teams that are pausing on the idea. It goes back to the slightly strange way the Kings have used their roster on the floor.
“Teams are asking, ‘Okay, we’re giving up a first for a guy who’s not really playing that much? That’s hard for some teams to rationalize. So again, there’s lots of interest for sure. He’ll go somewhere — I’m just curious to see what they actually get back.”
Check out the full interview with The Athletic‘s Sam Amick by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
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More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
The NBA trade deadline is less than one week away, meaning that the time has come for the Sacramento Kings to make some moves.
As the February 5th (12 pm PT) deadline nears, first-year Kings general manager Scott Perry has several key players on his roster that would benefit from a change of scenery, but none in higher demand than guard Keon Ellis.
Ellis, who is on a team-friendly, expiring $2.3 million contract, has been in and out of head coach Doug Christie’s rotation this season.
One year removed from a career season in which he shot 43 percent from beyond the arc (8th in the NBA) and collected 121 steals (5th in the NBA), Ellis has seen his playing time decrease from 24.4 to 17.5 minutes per contest.
As Perry evaluates the best path forward for a Sacramento Kings team that currently holds the third-worst record in the league, moving Ellis may open the door to other opportunities to reshape this roster.
Are the Blazers a viable trade partner for the Kings?
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, January 29th – @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, January 30th – @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 1st – @ Washington Wizards – 3:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 4th – vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, February 6th – vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PT
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