Report: Kings’ Keon Ellis Drawing Trade Interest; Grizzlies Stand Pat on Ja Morant
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November 26, 2025 — Guard Keon Ellis has become the Sacramento Kings’ most sought-after trade target as rival executives question his reduced workload this fall, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The 25-year-old averaged 24.4 minutes, 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting .489/.433/.849 over 80 games last season, contributing to a +3.0 net rating during his floor time. Through the early portion of the current campaign he is logging just 17.4 minutes per night. With Keegan Murray unlikely to be moved because of poison-pill restrictions, Ellis has become Sacramento’s most attainable piece.
The Indiana Pacers are among several clubs that have expressed interest, having previously pursued Ellis. He is in the final season of his contract and becomes extension-eligible in February; without a new deal, he would hit unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Trade chatter around veteran teammates Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan remains muted, although the Los Angeles Clippers have shown some level of interest in DeRozan. Center Domantas Sabonis could emerge as a trade chip, but he is sidelined by a knee injury and has expressed frustration with both his usage under head coach Doug Christie and the club’s declining win totals since the 2022-23 playoff season.
Morant inquiries rejected
The Memphis Grizzlies have turned away multiple offers for Ja Morant in the wake of a recent confrontation between the All-Star guard and head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Although several teams see a potential buy-low opportunity, Memphis is unwilling to initiate a rebuild and does not believe Morant would command strong value at the moment.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were among the clubs that checked on Morant while continuing to search for a point-guard upgrade. Minnesota has made it clear it will not trade Anthony Edwards and views forward Jaden McDaniels as essentially untouchable.
Celtics monitor Sharpe
The Boston Celtics hoped to chase Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, but the Brooklyn Nets retained the center with a one-year, $6.25 million deal—more than Boston could offer. League sources say Sharpe remains a player to watch if the two Atlantic Division rivals revisit trade discussions; the Celtics had planned to let him compete for their starting center spot.
Source: HoopsRumors
