Bucks Eyeing Zach LaVine, But Keon Ellis Could Be the Real Prize
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly kicking the tires on a potential trade for Zach LaVine, a move that would add another high-level shot creator to a roster that’s been searching for consistent offensive punch beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. LaVine’s name has long floated around the trade market, and while his scoring chops are well-documented, it’s the inclusion of a lesser-known guard-Keon Ellis-that might make this deal more intriguing than it initially appears.
Let’s be clear: LaVine can fill it up. He’s a dynamic scorer, capable of creating his own shot from all three levels, and he’d immediately ease the offensive burden on Milwaukee’s stars.
But he’s also not a clean fit. His defensive limitations are real, and his durability has been a question mark throughout his career.
Add in a hefty contract and the fact that he’s not exactly a long-term piece for a team with aging stars and title aspirations, and the Bucks have to weigh this one carefully.
The Real Value Might Be in Keon Ellis
While LaVine would be the headliner, the most intriguing part of this hypothetical deal might be Keon Ellis. The 6-foot-3 guard has flown under the radar, but there’s a lot to like about his game-especially for a Bucks team that needs more two-way contributors in the backcourt.
Ellis broke out last season with the Kings, showing flashes of being a high-level role player. In 24 minutes per game, he averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 steals while shooting a scorching 43.3% from deep.
His advanced metrics backed up the eye test: a 63.9% effective field goal percentage and a 66.4% true shooting mark are elite for a guard. He brought energy on defense, made smart plays, and gave Sacramento a boost on both ends.
The Kings were five points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
But this season has been a different story. Ellis’ offensive efficiency has fallen off a cliff.
His shooting splits-38.5% from the field, 35.2% from three, and just 59.1% from the free-throw line-paint the picture of a player struggling to find his rhythm. His true shooting has plummeted to 51.2%, and his assist rate has dropped to 5.9%, a sign that his playmaking has regressed as well.
As a result, Ellis has fallen out of Sacramento’s rotation. After starting 28 games last season, he’s started just two this year, and his minutes have been slashed.
It’s been a step back, no doubt. But for a team like Milwaukee, that might be an opportunity.
Buying Low on Upside
Ellis is still just 25 and plays with a defensive intensity that fits the Bucks’ identity. He’s on a cheap team option and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, which means Milwaukee would need to be confident in their ability to retain him. But if they believe in his upside-and there’s reason to-they could be getting a high-value piece at a discount.
The Kings, sitting at 7-22 and in the middle of a chaotic season, might be willing to sell low. Despite their reluctance to move him in the past, Ellis’ diminished role and looming free agency could force their hand. And for the Bucks, who are trying to maximize their current championship window, this could be a calculated gamble worth taking.
The Cost: Kuzma, Portis, Harris, and a First-Round Pick
Of course, no trade comes without sacrifice. In this scenario, Milwaukee would be parting ways with Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and potentially Gary Harris-three rotation players who bring size, experience, and versatility.
Kuzma, in particular, is the team’s best wing defender and one of the few players on the roster who can credibly guard bigger forwards. Swapping him out for two smaller guards-LaVine and Ellis-would leave the Bucks vulnerable against teams with size on the wing.
Then there’s the pick. An unprotected first-rounder is one of the most valuable assets in the league, especially for a team like Milwaukee that has already pushed many of its chips to the center of the table. Giving that up for a package headlined by an expensive scorer with a checkered injury history and a young guard with an uncertain future is a big ask.
Is It Worth It?
This trade is a classic case of risk versus reward. LaVine could be the offensive spark the Bucks need to get over the hump in the East.
Ellis could blossom into a key contributor with the right development and a fresh start. But the cost-both in assets and in fit-can’t be ignored.
If the Bucks believe Ellis can rediscover last year’s form and grow into a long-term rotation piece, that alone might justify exploring the deal. LaVine is the flash, but Ellis is the potential value play. And in a league where depth and versatility often decide playoff series, the Bucks need to be sure they’re not sacrificing too much of both.
The clock is ticking on Milwaukee’s title window. Every move counts. This one, if it happens, would say a lot about how the Bucks view their present-and what they’re willing to risk for their future.