The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly eyeing Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis as a potential trade target, according to recent reports. And they’re not alone. The New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat are also in the mix - a clear sign that Ellis’ value around the league remains strong despite a rocky start to the season.
Let’s break down why teams are lining up for a player who hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet this year.
Ellis, a 6-foot-4 wing in his fourth NBA season, has struggled early on, but he brings two things that NBA front offices never stop chasing: three-point shooting and perimeter defense. Through his career, Ellis has knocked down 42% of his shots from deep - and that’s on a healthy volume of over three attempts per game. That kind of efficiency from beyond the arc doesn’t grow on trees, especially when paired with his reputation as a disruptive on-ball defender.
Even with his recent dip in performance, teams are betting that the shooting stroke is still there - and that a change of scenery might help unlock it. That dip, though, could work in Portland’s favor when it comes to the asking price.
Right now, the cost to acquire Ellis is reportedly modest: outgoing salary and a couple of second-round picks. For a team like the Blazers, who are navigating a rebuild while trying to stay competitive, that’s a manageable price for a player who could provide real value on both ends.
Ellis is in the final year of a three-year, $5.1 million deal with Sacramento, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Normally, that might give teams pause - no one wants to trade assets for a player who might walk in a few months.
But in Ellis’ case, there’s a key wrinkle: his salary is small, and any team that trades for him would also acquire his Bird rights. That means they’d be able to re-sign him without dipping into their cap space - a big plus for teams trying to preserve flexibility heading into a loaded 2025 free agency class.
For Portland specifically, Ellis could step in right away and help stabilize a backcourt that’s been hit hard by injuries. And because his salary is so low, the Blazers could make the deal without pushing into the luxury tax - as long as they send out at least $700,000 in salary in return. That’s a small financial needle to thread, especially if the front office believes Ellis can be part of the long-term picture or, at the very least, a valuable trade chip down the line.
Bottom line: Ellis isn’t a blockbuster name, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar addition that can pay off for a team like Portland - one that’s looking to build smart, stay flexible, and add pieces who can grow with their core. If the price stays low and the market doesn’t heat up too much, don’t be surprised if the Blazers make a move.