Kings intensify trade talks for Keon Ellis; Cavaliers, Lakers, Pacers among interested teams
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The Sacramento Kings have increased efforts to move guard Keon Ellis ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
League sources told the outlet that Sacramento is evaluating several trade packages, some of which would attach Ellis to a higher-salary veteran such as Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan. The Kings are said to be targeting a late first-round pick in return.
Ellis, regarded around the league as a prototypical “three-and-D” player, owns a career three-point mark above 41 percent, plays with a defensive edge and carries a modest $2.3 million cap hit. While his role with the Kings has varied and questions remain about his ability to defend larger guards, he is viewed as an immediate plug-and-play option by several front offices.
Interest is widespread. Roughly 14 teams have checked in on the 24-year-old, a list that reportedly includes the Pacers, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Warriors and Cavaliers.
Cleveland would need to craft creative salary-matching scenarios because of second-apron limitations. Players such as Lonzo Ball and DeAndre Hunter have surfaced in broader deadline chatter involving the Cavaliers, with Hunter viewed as a possible outgoing piece.
Ellis becomes extension-eligible on Feb. 9. If no agreement is reached, he can enter unrestricted free agency this summer, adding urgency for Sacramento as talks continue.
Source: Hoops Wire
