Warriors Miss Out on Keon Ellis as Cavaliers Get Stronger in 3-Team Deal
The Golden State Warriors are staring down a pivotal trade deadline, and Saturday night’s three-team deal didn’t exactly help ease the pressure. While Golden State continues to search for roster reinforcements, Keon Ellis-the kind of 3-and-D wing who could’ve slotted in nicely with their system-is now headed to Cleveland. It’s a missed opportunity for the Dubs, and one that could sting even more by the time the Feb. 5 deadline comes and goes.
Let’s break down what happened: the Cavaliers acquired both Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team trade that also sent De’Andre Hunter to the Kings and Dario Saric-along with two second-round picks-to the Bulls. Saric and Schroder, of course, are familiar faces in the Bay, having previously suited up for Golden State. But this time around, they’re part of a deal that strengthens a rival while leaving the Warriors still searching for answers.
The Pressure Is Mounting in the Bay
With the deadline looming and the Warriors sitting eighth in the Western Conference-3.5 games out of the top six-there’s no question the front office is feeling the heat. Stephen Curry continues to carry the load, but he needs help. Especially now, with Jimmy Butler out for the season, the West just got a little more wide open-and a little more urgent for teams like Golden State to make a move.
The dream scenario for Warriors fans? A blockbuster for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That’s the kind of swing that would reshape the franchise’s trajectory. But while Golden State eyes the biggest fish in the pond, they may have missed out on a more realistic, lower-profile addition in Ellis-someone who could’ve helped right now.
Why Ellis Could’ve Fit in Golden State
Keon Ellis isn’t a star, but he’s exactly the type of role player championship teams covet. He defends at the point of attack, knocks down open threes, and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. In Cleveland, he’ll likely get more consistent opportunities than he did in Sacramento, and his two-way skill set should help shore up some of the Cavaliers’ perimeter defensive issues-especially when it comes to guarding alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Golden State, meanwhile, continues to search for wing depth and defensive versatility-two things Ellis brings to the table. The financials made a one-for-one swap difficult, and the Warriors weren’t interested in what Sacramento was offering back. Still, this was a move that might’ve made sense if the front office wasn’t so zeroed in on a potential superstar deal.
Kuminga’s Role in the Trade Landscape
Jonathan Kuminga remains a key piece in any potential Warriors trade. With the Kings acquiring De’Andre Hunter, their interest in Kuminga likely cools-both players operate in similar spaces on the floor. But Golden State is still looking to flip Kuminga for a win-now upgrade, and so far, the right deal hasn’t materialized.
If the Warriors don’t land a high-level scorer before the deadline, Kuminga may need to step into that second-option role offensively. He’s shown flashes, but relying on a young player to be that consistent contributor during a playoff push is a big ask. Depth, scoring, and defensive stability are all still on the shopping list.
The Clock Is Ticking
This latest trade doesn’t just shift Ellis to Cleveland-it also shifts momentum to a team the Warriors could see in the postseason. It’s a reminder that other contenders are making moves, and Golden State can’t afford to stand still.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office are on the clock. The Warriors have been aggressive in their pursuit of Giannis, and if that long shot hits, missing out on Ellis will be a footnote.
But if it doesn’t? This could go down as a missed opportunity to add a valuable rotation piece at a time when the team needs all the help it can get.
The deadline is Thursday. The pressure is real. And the Warriors still have work to do.