The Milwaukee Bucks are doing their homework ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, and one name generating buzz in their front office is Keon Ellis. The Sacramento Kings guard is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about role players on the market - and for good reason. Between his team-friendly contract and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, Ellis is exactly the kind of player that playoff contenders are circling.
According to multiple reports, including HoopsHype, the Bucks have already engaged in exploratory conversations with the Kings about a potential deal for Ellis. And they’re not alone - Ellis is drawing interest from several teams around the league. But Milwaukee might be in a position to act more aggressively, especially if they view him as a piece that can help shore up their perimeter defense.
Let’s break down why Ellis is on their radar and what a trade might look like.
The Appeal of Keon Ellis
Ellis isn’t putting up eye-popping numbers this season - he’s averaging 5.3 points on under 40 percent shooting, with 1.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game across 39 appearances. But the stats don’t tell the full story.
What Ellis brings is defensive intensity, positional versatility, and the kind of energy that can swing momentum in key stretches. For a Bucks team that’s struggled to find consistency on the defensive end, especially on the perimeter, Ellis could be a timely addition.
And then there’s the contract. At just $2.3 million, Ellis is one of the best value deals in the league right now. That affordability makes him a low-risk, high-upside target - though any team acquiring him will need to be prepared to pay up this summer, as he’s set to hit free agency.
The Trade Framework
One reported framework being floated would send Bobby Portis and a minimum-salary player to Sacramento in exchange for Ellis and Malik Monk. That’s a bold swing for Milwaukee, especially if the deal doesn’t include draft capital.
Monk, unlike Ellis, would offer immediate firepower on offense - something the Bucks could certainly use. If the Kings are open to that type of player-for-player swap, it’s a scenario worth exploring.
But it’s not without complications. If Sacramento insists on additional assets - picks, young talent, or both - things get trickier. Milwaukee’s asset pool isn’t exactly overflowing, and they’ll need to be strategic about how they use what they’ve got.
Bigger Picture: Bucks and Kings as Trade Partners
Whether it’s Monk and Ellis or another combination of players, there’s a sense that Milwaukee and Sacramento are natural trade partners this deadline season. The Bucks are clearly in “win-now” mode, while the Kings are trying to balance competing in the West with maintaining roster flexibility.
And this isn’t the only potential move on the Bucks’ radar. There’s also reported interest in Zach LaVine, which would be a much bigger swing - and come with a much bigger price tag.
But it underscores the point: Milwaukee is looking to make a move. They know they need to tighten things up defensively and find more consistent scoring options beyond their Big Three.
Final Thoughts
Keon Ellis isn’t a headline-grabbing name, but he’s the kind of player who can make a real difference in the margins - especially for a contender that needs depth and defensive toughness. The Bucks are wise to be in the mix, and depending on how the talks with Sacramento unfold, they could walk away with a pair of guards who address multiple needs.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the conversations between these two teams are only going to heat up. Keep an eye on Milwaukee - they’re not done yet.