Sacramento guard Keon Ellis has sat out four straight games—two because of a minor knee issue and two more as a coach’s decision—but the 26-year-old remains a popular name on the trade market. League and team sources told The Athletic’s Sam Amick that roughly 10 clubs are pursuing Ellis, and a deal is expected by the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Kings are reportedly seeking a late first-round pick for the fourth-year guard.
Ellis is considered Sacramento’s most in-demand asset at the moment, according to colleague Sam Vecenie. While the 6-foot-3 guard offers limited offensive versatility and size, evaluators value his energetic perimeter defense and reliable three-point shooting.
Other notes from Amick’s roundup
• Warriors and DeRozan: A Kings source told Amick that Golden State has shown no interest in veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, despite external speculation linking the Warriors to the six-time All-Star after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear.
• Raptors eyeing Sabonis: Amick reiterated that the Wizards, Suns and Bulls have explored Domantas Sabonis in the past, but indicated the Raptors are currently the most serious suitor for the Kings center. Multiple reports have tied Toronto to Sabonis throughout the season.
• Knicks and Towns: Echoing SNY’s Ian Begley, Amick reported that New York has not engaged in trade discussions involving Karl-Anthony Towns, countering a recent claim to the contrary. The expectation is that the Knicks will try to maximize Towns within Mike Brown’s system rather than move him while his value is perceived to be lower.
The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 5.
Source: HoopsRumors
