The LA Clippers may be eyeing bigger names ahead of the trade deadline, but there’s a quieter story developing on the edge of their radar - and it involves Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis. According to Marc Stein’s latest reporting, Ellis is all but out the door in Sacramento, and he might just be the most likely player in the league to be moved before the deadline hits.
That’s a notable distinction, especially when you consider some of the other names floating around the trade block - Ja Morant, Jonathan Kuminga, Guerschon Yabusele - all of whom bring more star power or upside than Ellis. But that doesn’t mean Ellis should be overlooked. Sometimes, the right role player in the right system can make just as much of a difference as a headline-grabbing acquisition.
Ellis is averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 rebounds this season, shooting 39.2% from the field and 36.4% from three. Those aren't numbers that jump off the page, but they do paint the picture of a capable shooter with enough defensive versatility to carve out a role in the right rotation. He’s not going to be the guy who changes the course of a franchise, but he could very well be the guy who helps stabilize a second unit or gives a contender a reliable option off the bench.
For the Clippers, that kind of player could be valuable - especially given their current roster construction. They’ve got star power in spades, but they’re still looking for the right mix of supporting pieces, particularly in the backcourt. Ellis fits the mold of a low-usage guard who can space the floor and defend his position - a profile that could help balance lineups built around high-usage stars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden.
But here’s where things get complicated: Sacramento reportedly wants a first-round pick in return. That’s a steep asking price for a player whose production has dipped from last season, both in overall efficiency and three-point accuracy. And it’s especially steep for a Clippers team that doesn’t currently have a first-rounder to offer.
That lack of draft capital might actually be a blessing in disguise. If the Kings are truly holding out for a first, the Clippers should probably take that as a sign to bow out gracefully.
Even if they had one to offer, Ellis shouldn't be the player they cash it in on. He’s a solid piece, but not the kind of difference-maker you want to spend premium assets on.
If anything, this is a situation where the Clippers could benefit from patience. Let other teams get into a bidding war.
If the price drops - and that’s a real possibility if Sacramento doesn’t find a first-round suitor - then LA could swoop in with a more modest offer. But right now, with the asking price where it is, the smart play is to stay on the sidelines.
Ellis may still end up on the move, and if he does, he could thrive in a new setting. He’s 26, with enough experience to contribute right away and enough upside to grow into a bigger role.
But for the Clippers, the timing and the price just don’t line up. They’ve got bigger priorities and limited assets - and that means every move has to count.
In this case, the best move might be no move at all.