LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have contacted rival teams about adding perimeter defense and have zeroed in on Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, league sources told The Athletic. Sacramento is reportedly seeking a protected first-round pick, a cost that has split opinion among front offices.
Lakers weigh Keon Ellis fit and price
Ellis, 24, is viewed by scouts as a versatile defender who has converted better than 40 percent of his career three-point attempts and is owed just $2.3 million next season. Despite starting 28 games last year, he has opened only two contests this season and is averaging under 18 minutes per game, leading some executives to question why Kings coaches have not leaned on him more heavily.
The guard can become an unrestricted free agent in July if no extension is reached by Feb. 9, creating short-term risk for any club that trades for him. Los Angeles owns one movable first-round pick and limited additional assets, complicating negotiations. Other defenders on the Lakers’ radar include Herbert Jones, Andrew Wiggins, Derrick Jones Jr., Terance Mann, Josh Green and Ayo Dosunmu, though availability and asking price vary.
Spurs content with core, not expected to pursue Antetokounmpo
League chatter suggests San Antonio will not join any potential bidding for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Spurs are committed to building around last season’s Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, recent lottery pick Dylan Harper and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
“They are convinced he is the perfect guy to have with Victor,” Windhorst said of Castle on The Ryen Russillo Show, underscoring the organization’s reluctance to break up its core for a win-now move.
Suns hit pause on Ochai Agbaji discussions
Phoenix and Toronto held preliminary talks involving a package that would have shipped Hornets center Nick Richards to the Raptors in exchange for Jazz wing Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick, according to reporter Gerald Bourguet. The Suns were unconvinced by Agbaji’s fit and the value of the proposed pick, choosing to stand pat for the moment.
No further discussions are scheduled, though both sides could revisit concepts closer to the trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Wire
