The Sacramento Kings are no strangers to trade buzz as the deadline approaches, and lately, the chatter has centered around some big names-Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan chief among them. Sabonis just dropped 24 points on the Cavaliers, a performance that certainly doesn’t hurt his trade value. DeRozan, meanwhile, has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler’s injury.
But here’s the twist: neither Sabonis nor DeRozan is currently considered the most likely King to be moved before the deadline. That distinction belongs to a far less expected name-Keon Ellis.
Ellis hasn’t seen the floor in recent games, listed as a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision), and yet, he’s reportedly drawing serious interest from around the league. According to league insider Brett Siegel, Ellis is “fully expected to be on the move” before the trade deadline, and multiple teams are in on him.
It’s a curious situation. Ellis, a 26-year-old guard with a solid three-and-D profile, had previously been in the mix for reserve minutes, battling with Malik Monk for a spot in the rotation. Monk has since carved out a key role off the bench, becoming a reliable spark plug during Sacramento’s recent four-game win streak.
Interestingly, Monk himself has been floated in trade discussions, but the momentum around Ellis is gaining steam. One team to watch?
The Los Angeles Lakers. Siegel mentioned them specifically as a potential suitor, though he noted that any deal would require the Lakers to part with something of real value to catch Sacramento’s attention.
Veteran NBA reporter Sam Amick added to the intrigue, reporting that approximately 10 teams are expressing interest in Ellis. According to Amick, a deal involving the Kings guard is “almost certain” to happen ahead of the February 5 trade deadline-if not sooner.
What makes the situation even more puzzling is Ellis’ recent absence from the rotation. Despite his skillset being highly sought after-especially in a league that prizes perimeter defense and efficient shooting-Kings assistant coach Doug Christie has opted not to play him in the last two games.
That hasn’t stopped Sacramento from setting a high asking price. Per Amick, the Kings are seeking a late first-round pick in return for Ellis.
So while the spotlight may have initially shone on DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk, it’s Keon Ellis who’s quietly become the Kings' most likely trade chip. And if the current momentum holds, his time in Sacramento could be nearing its end.