Could Keon Ellis Be the Warriors' Insurance Policy for De’Anthony Melton?
De’Anthony Melton has quickly emerged as a difference-maker for the Golden State Warriors since returning from a long-term injury. His defensive presence, perimeter shooting, and ability to fit seamlessly into Golden State’s system have made him arguably the team’s fourth-most impactful player in recent weeks. But for all the positives Melton brings, there’s one concern the Warriors can’t ignore: his injury history.
That’s where Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis enters the conversation.
With Jonathan Kuminga formally requesting a trade, the Kings have reportedly remained the frontrunner in discussions. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Golden State has expressed interest in Ellis as a potential piece in a Kuminga deal - especially since the Warriors are unwilling to take on Malik Monk’s remaining three years and $60.4 million.
Ellis, on an inexpensive expiring deal, checks a few important boxes for the Warriors. From a salary-matching perspective, he’s a clean fit. But more importantly, he brings a skillset that could serve as a contingency plan if Melton’s health becomes an issue again down the stretch.
Let’s be clear: Ellis isn’t Melton. He doesn’t have the same on-ball juice or ability to create off the dribble.
But he does offer a similar three-and-D profile - the kind of player who thrives in Golden State’s ball-movement-heavy offense and switch-heavy defense. At 6-foot-3 with a wiry frame and active hands, Ellis has shown flashes of being a disruptive perimeter defender, and he’s shooting the ball well enough to warrant a closer look.
Through limited minutes this season - 17.3 per game - Ellis is averaging 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Modest numbers, sure, but there’s a sense around the league that he’s being underutilized in Sacramento’s crowded backcourt rotation. With Doug Christie still figuring out the right balance of guards behind De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, Ellis hasn’t had the runway to fully showcase what he can do.
That could change in Golden State.
Even with Melton playing at a high level, the Warriors have to think long-term. Melton is on an expiring deal, and if he keeps up this level of production, he may price himself out of Golden State’s plans in free agency. Bringing in Ellis now gives the Warriors a chance to evaluate him up close - and potentially re-sign one (or both) of them this summer, depending on how things shake out.
Kuminga’s trade value has taken a hit after being out of the rotation for 13 straight games, and the Warriors aren’t expected to get a major haul in return. But if Ellis is the kind of player Golden State can develop into a rotation piece - or even just a reliable depth option - he could be a smart addition as part of a larger deal.
The final structure of any trade will ultimately determine whether Ellis ends up in the Bay Area. But make no mistake: with Melton’s injury past and uncertain contract future, Ellis is more than just a throw-in. He’s a player worth watching - and potentially a key piece in the Warriors’ effort to keep their backcourt stable both now and beyond this season.