The Sacramento Kings made a bold move ahead of the trade deadline, sending rising defensive standout Keon Ellis and veteran guard Dennis Schröder to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for De'Andre Hunter. But before that deal came together, Ellis had quietly become one of the most sought-after names on the market - drawing interest from nearly half the league, including a few playoff-bound teams and some rebuilding squads looking to get ahead of the curve.
Two of the most intriguing suitors? The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers. Both had their eyes on Ellis, and both ultimately backed away - for very different reasons.
Let’s start with Minnesota. The Timberwolves were reportedly high on Ellis early in the process.
And it’s easy to see why. Ellis is exactly the kind of player who fits their mold - a gritty, defensive-minded guard who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact.
Pairing him with Anthony Edwards would have created a backcourt with serious two-way potential, especially for a team that’s been knocking on the door of a Finals appearance the past two seasons.
But priorities shifted fast in Minnesota when Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the trade market. Once the Bucks’ superstar became available, the Timberwolves turned their full attention toward chasing the two-time MVP.
That’s the kind of pivot any front office would make. Giannis doesn’t become available often - if ever - and Ellis, for all his upside, wasn’t going to be the centerpiece of their trade deadline strategy once that door opened.
There was also some chatter that Minnesota might’ve offered up a young piece like Rob Dillingham in a potential Ellis deal. But that would’ve created a logjam in Sacramento’s already crowded backcourt, making the fit a bit more complicated.
Indiana’s interest in Ellis was more of a long-term play. The Pacers aren’t in the playoff picture right now, sitting well below .500, but they’re building something for the future - and Ellis could’ve been part of that blueprint. His 41.6% career three-point shooting and defensive versatility make him an ideal three-and-D wing for a team that expects to be back in the mix next season.
That said, the Pacers ran into a roster dilemma of their own. With Benedict Mathurin already in place and viewed as a key part of their young core, Indiana hesitated to give up a late first-round pick for a player who might not beat out Mathurin for minutes. The logic was simple: why spend draft capital on a guy who might end up stuck behind someone you’re already investing in?
There’s also the Tyrese Haliburton factor. The Pacers’ star point guard is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Once he returns, Indiana expects to be back in contention - and Ellis could’ve been a valuable piece alongside Haliburton. But with the uncertainty around minutes and rotation fit, Indiana ultimately passed.
So with Minnesota chasing bigger fish and Indiana opting for roster continuity, Sacramento general manager Scott Perry pivoted. He found a willing partner in Cleveland and landed De'Andre Hunter - a player with size, defensive chops, and playoff experience. It wasn’t the original plan, but it was a calculated move that gives the Kings a different kind of asset heading into the second half of the season.
As for Ellis, he now joins a Cavaliers squad that’s looking to make a real push in the East. And while he may not have landed in Minnesota or Indiana, don’t be surprised if he plays a key role in Cleveland’s postseason plans. The league took notice of his rise - and now he’ll get a chance to show why.