The Utah Jazz are approaching a turning point. After a stretch of strategic losing-call it tanking if you like-the front office is expected to shift gears this offseason.
That means no more playing for ping-pong balls. It means building a roster that can compete.
And it means going shopping.
Sure, the Jazz would love to land a marquee name like Austin Reaves. Who wouldn’t?
But if they’re serious about taking the next step, they’ll need to prioritize versatility-especially on the defensive end. Right now, this roster is thin on two-way talent.
Walker Kessler’s return will help anchor the paint, but he can’t do it alone. Utah needs more perimeter defenders who can also contribute offensively.
Enter: Keon Ellis.
Ellis isn’t a household name, but he’s quietly developed into one of the more intriguing 3-and-D prospects in the league. The Sacramento Kings guard has been buried in the rotation at times, but that hasn’t stopped teams from taking notice. According to Kings insider James Ham, multiple franchises have already picked up the phone to ask about Ellis, including the Timberwolves, Pacers, Celtics, and Knicks.
The Jazz haven’t made that call-at least not yet. That’s likely because they’re still in asset-accumulation mode.
No sense in adding a player who might help you win games when you’re still angling for draft position. But that logic goes out the window after this season.
And when the Jazz pivot to building a winner, Ellis could be exactly the kind of value addition they need.
Here’s why: Ellis brings something Utah has been missing-perimeter defense paired with reliable shooting. His numbers this season have taken a dip, but that has more to do with Sacramento’s broader struggles than anything he’s doing wrong.
When the Kings were clicking last season, Ellis was a key contributor. He shot nearly 49% from the field and a blistering 43.3% from deep.
That’s elite efficiency for a guard who also averaged 1.5 steals and nearly a block per game-numbers that speak to his defensive instincts and effort.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, and he’s not a primary ball-handler. But Ellis knows his role, plays within himself, and makes winning plays.
That’s the kind of player who can elevate a second unit or even slide into a starting lineup when needed. For a Jazz team looking to turn the corner, that’s gold.
And the best part? He might come cheap.
With Sacramento struggling and potentially eyeing major changes, Ellis’ value may have taken an unnecessary hit. That opens the door for a team like Utah to swoop in-either at the trade deadline or in free agency-and grab a player whose game is tailor-made for a team trying to build a defensive identity.
Long-term, Ellis could be the ideal replacement for Kris Dunn: a tough-nosed guard who defends at a high level and spaces the floor. And in today’s NBA, those guys don’t just grow on trees.
So while the Jazz may not be in the mix for Ellis right now, don’t be surprised if that changes soon. Once the tank is over, it’s time to build-and Keon Ellis might be one of the first bricks in that foundation.