NBA Trade Buzz: Keon Ellis Drawing Heavy Interest, Sabonis on Toronto’s Radar, and What’s Really Going on with KAT and the Knicks
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the rumor mill is heating up - and Sacramento’s Keon Ellis is suddenly at the center of it all.
Ellis, who missed a pair of games last weekend with a minor knee issue and has since logged two straight DNP-CDs, is still generating significant buzz across the league. According to league and team sources, roughly 10 teams are actively in the mix for the Kings guard, with Sacramento reportedly seeking a late first-round pick in return. With the deadline set for February 5, there’s growing belief that a deal could come together sooner rather than later.
Ellis may not be a household name, but his skill set is turning heads for the right reasons. While he’s not known for a dynamic offensive arsenal and lacks the size to consistently slow down larger wings, his defensive energy in the backcourt and dependable outside shooting make him an intriguing asset - especially for playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their perimeter defense and add a low-usage, high-effort rotation piece.
And while the Kings have multiple players who could be on the move, Ellis has emerged as the name most frequently brought up in trade conversations. That tells you something about how teams view his plug-and-play potential.
Golden State Not in on DeRozan - At Least Not Yet
Elsewhere in the Pacific Division, there’s been speculation that the Warriors might take a swing at adding DeMar DeRozan in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury. But according to a Kings source, Golden State hasn’t shown any real interest in the veteran forward to this point.
That doesn’t mean the Warriors won’t make a move - they’ve got decisions to make with their aging core and inconsistent bench - but DeRozan doesn’t appear to be part of their current plans. For now, it sounds like his name is more of a media-driven connection than a front-office priority.
Sabonis Watch: Raptors Still Lurking
Domantas Sabonis has popped up in trade chatter before, with the Wizards, Suns, and Bulls all previously linked to the Kings’ All-Star big man. But if there’s a team to keep an eye on right now, it’s Toronto.
Multiple reports have connected the Raptors to Sabonis throughout the season, and that interest hasn’t faded. In fact, it may be intensifying. While Sacramento hasn’t shown any urgency to move their franchise center, Toronto remains one of the few teams consistently mentioned as a legitimate suitor.
Sabonis brings a unique blend of rebounding, playmaking, and interior scoring - and in a league where skilled bigs are at a premium, it’s no surprise that teams continue to check in. Whether the Raptors are willing to meet Sacramento’s asking price is another matter, but the mutual interest is real.
No Towns Talk in New York - Despite the Rumors
And finally, let’s clear up some confusion surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks. Despite a recent report suggesting New York had explored trade talks for the Timberwolves big man, multiple sources say that’s simply not the case.
In fact, the expectation is that the Knicks are focused on maximizing Towns’ fit within Mike Brown’s system rather than shopping him while his trade value is in flux. That aligns with what’s been reported elsewhere - New York isn’t looking to sell low or make a panic move.
Towns remains a high-ceiling talent, and the Knicks are betting that with the right structure and support, he can return to All-Star form. For now, don’t expect any surprise fireworks involving KAT and Madison Square Garden.
Final Word
With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams are starting to show their hands - and players like Keon Ellis and Domantas Sabonis are drawing real interest. Whether Sacramento decides to cash in now or hold firm remains to be seen, but the Kings are clearly a team to watch in the coming weeks. And as always, in the NBA, what’s not happening can be just as telling as what is.