The Sacramento Kings appear ready to move Keon Ellis as trade discussions gain momentum. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that “numerous teams are in pursuit of Ellis, with the Kings believed to seeking a first-round pick given the widespread interest.”
Ellis, 26, is in the final year of a three-year, $5 million contract, making him an attractive expiring asset for contenders. He is averaging 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists over 40 games, while shooting 36.4% from three-point range and 39.2% overall.
The guard has logged limited minutes, averaging 17.4 per contest and starting only five games, yet his efficiency on catch-and-shoot opportunities and floor spacing adds value for teams in need of depth on the wing.
Sacramento currently holds the league’s second-worst record in the Western Conference at 12-35. Moving Ellis for a first-round pick aligns with the front office’s goal of acquiring future assets while continuing to develop the roster around core players like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis.
DeRozan leads the Kings with 18.8 points per game, while LaVine adds 19.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, and Sabonis contributes 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds in limited action.
With league sources calling an Ellis trade “an inevitability,” the Kings are expected to prioritize first-round compensation.
