Sacramento guard Keon Ellis has become one of the most talked-about names ahead of next week’s NBA trade deadline, with the Cavaliers, Lakers, Pacers, Spurs and Celtics among several teams showing interest, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Timberwolves and Knicks have also been linked to the 26-year-old.
Ellis’ Contract Makes Him Widely Obtainable
Ellis is earning $2.3 million on an expiring deal, a figure that virtually any club can absorb. If moved, his Bird rights would accompany him, and he will be eligible for an extension on February 9, three days after the deadline.
Fischer noted that Cleveland has positioned itself as the frontrunner during the past two days, though multiple clubs remain in pursuit.
Kings’ Trade Parameters
Sacramento would prefer to avoid long-term salary but is willing to reconsider if Malik Monk is part of an outgoing package, Stein and Fischer report. The Kings have also floated DeMar DeRozan as a possible inclusion in talks involving Ellis.
Hunter, Ball and Bucks Activity
While the Lakers have been repeatedly tied to DeAndre Hunter, Stein and Fischer hear that Los Angeles’ interest has been overstated; the forward’s $24.9 million 2026-27 salary could restrict the club’s offseason flexibility. Before Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines dominated the rumor mill, Milwaukee explored Hunter deals built around Kyle Kuzma and/or Bobby Portis. The Warriors also checked on Hunter before shifting focus to potential offers for the two-time MVP.
The Wizards recently contacted Cleveland regarding Lonzo Ball and have told other teams they are open to absorbing unwanted contracts if draft picks are attached, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The Cavaliers are the league’s lone team above the second tax apron. Ball, shooting 26.9% from deep this season, holds a $10 million pseudo-expiring contract that includes a $10 million team option for 2026-27.
Milwaukee Looking at Thomas, Russell
Sources told Scotto the Bucks are weighing the idea of bundling several minimum deals to secure pricier talent, with Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas and Dallas guard D’Angelo Russell on their list. Milwaukee views Thomas as an upside play and sees Russell as a path to acquiring second-round picks while taking on salary. Thomas, an unrestricted free agent this summer, possesses an implied no-trade clause after accepting his qualifying offer last offseason.
Sochan Draws Exploratory Calls
Multiple clubs, including the Suns, have spoken with San Antonio about fourth-year forward Jeremy Sochan, Scotto adds. Those exploratory conversations involved Phoenix center Nick Richards, but the Suns pulled back because the swap would have increased their luxury-tax bill, a threshold they prefer to fall below.
To date, the league has completed only one in-season trade. A long-time team executive who spoke with Stein and Fischer expects that to change quickly. “I still think the avalanche is coming,” the official said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
