Keon Ellis Trade Talk Heats Up as Kings Weigh Deadline Options
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a familiar crossroads - balancing the promise of a young core with the pressure to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference. And right now, Keon Ellis is at the center of that conversation.
Kings General Manager Scott Perry recently made it clear during a radio appearance on Sactown 1140 AM: the phones are open, and trade talks are underway. That includes potential moves involving Ellis, whose role with the team has shifted significantly this season.
Ellis, once a steady part of the Kings’ rotation, has seen his minutes dip from 24.4 last season to just 17 per game. His scoring has followed suit, down to 5.3 points per contest - the lowest of his career as a regular contributor. And with rookie Maxime Raynaud climbing into the starting lineup and Keegan Murray continuing to develop, Ellis’ future in Sacramento is looking more uncertain by the day.
That uncertainty has caught the attention of league insiders.
NBA analyst Zach Buckley floated the idea of Sacramento making a deal with a familiar - and fierce - rival: the Los Angeles Lakers. While Buckley acknowledged that New Orleans' Herb Jones may be too costly to acquire, he pointed to Ellis as a more attainable target with upside.
"He's still a defensive pest, and [the Lakers] absolutely need more of those around the perimeter," Buckley noted, citing Ellis’ career shooting marks - 46.8% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc - as evidence that the 24-year-old can still be a valuable two-way player in the right system.
NBA insider Marc Stein echoed that sentiment, calling Ellis the "presumed headliner" of the current three-and-D trade market. And while his numbers have dipped, his trade value remains reasonable - a factor that could make him appealing to contending teams looking to bolster their perimeter defense without breaking the bank.
The Kings, for their part, have some decisions to make. Ellis is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, which adds a layer of urgency to any potential deal. Letting him walk for nothing this summer would be a tough pill to swallow, especially if his value can be flipped now for a player or asset that helps Sacramento in the short or long term.
As for the idea of trading with the Lakers? History says it’s not off the table.
Despite the rivalry, the two franchises have found common ground before - Vlade Divac and Russell Westbrook are just two examples of former Lakers who’ve worn a Kings jersey. And if the fit makes sense for both sides, there’s no reason to rule out another cross-California deal.
For Ellis, a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. A more defined role, consistent minutes, and a team that leans into his defensive strengths might help him rediscover the rhythm that made him a rising piece in Sacramento not long ago. The Lakers, with their need for wing defense and shot efficiency, could offer that environment.
With the deadline looming and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the Kings are in evaluation mode. Whether that leads to Ellis being moved - and potentially to a rival - remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: his name is firmly in the mix, and the next few weeks could shape not just his future, but Sacramento’s as well.