Since Marc Stein reported over the weekend that Keon Ellis appears to be the player most likely to be moved at the February 5 deadline, trade talks involving the Kings guard have only intensified, Stein and his colleague Jake Fischer said on Friday (Twitter link).
According to Fischer (Twitter link), Sacramento is “sifting through” a number of trade scenarios involving Ellis, some of which would involve him being packaged with a higher-salary veteran such as DeMar DeRozan or Malik Monk.
A three-and-D guard who has a career three-point percentage of 41.4% and a team-friendly cap hit of $2.3MM, Ellis has seen inconsistent playing time during his stint with the Kings and has faced questions about his size and his ability to slow down bigger guards. However, he’s viewed as an intriguing target for teams in need of defensive help, with Sacramento reportedly seeking a late first-round pick.
Because Ellis’ cap hit is so modest, nearly any team in the NBA could put together an offer for him. Stein stated earlier this week that about 14 clubs had registered interest, and reports in recent weeks have provided at least a partial list of those clubs — the Timberwolves, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Warriors have all been linked to Ellis since mid-January.
According to Stein and Fischer, the Cavaliers are also among the teams with an eye on Ellis, who will become eligible for a contract extension on February 9 and would reach unrestricted free agency this summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal before then.
As a second-apron team, Cleveland wouldn’t be able to acquire Ellis without sending out a player who has a larger cap hit. Lonzo Ball ($10MM) is among the Cavs’ trade candidates, as is De’Andre Hunter ($23.3MM), but there’s not a lower-salary player on the roster who would make sense as an obvious outgoing piece in an Ellis deal unless the club is willing to move Dean Wade ($6.6MM).
For what it’s worth, Monk and Ellis make a combined $21MM, so Cleveland could theoretically take both players back in a trade involving Hunter. DeRozan’s cap hit ($24.6MM) rules him out as an incoming piece for the Cavs in a Hunter deal.
Monk + Keon for Kuminga
Warriors don’t want Monk because his contract has another 2 years after this and gets more expensive. Ellis is not needed now since they have Richards who is teh same type of player as Ellis.
What’s the Keon Ellis hype about? He’s not getting any run whatsoever on the trash Kings. Where would he fit on a Cavs team featuring DG, Don, Merrill, CPJ, and Proctor? Trading Wade for him would be a huge mistake and I doubt (well maybe not because it is the Kings after all) that they would just do it for Ball.
Does seem weird since Cavs already have an abundance of player that same size. Could be assets for Giannis that cavs are trying to retrade.
The Kings really could have had Haliburton/Fox/Sabonis and instead did this.
Remember Warriors could also have had Hali … And a lot more than JK if if if
Kirk Lacob is light years smarter than the L other team Presidents – just ask him…
His Lottery picks have been Wiseman (over Hali; the choice of Bob Myers/Coach Kerr), JK and Moody (at least something)…
If Keon Ellis gets you a 1st in the next couple of weeks, wonder if they put Ayo on the block and see what the offers are in? It’s time to cash in on him, rather be a feel good Chicago story.
Especially if it’s a pick in this draft. Late 20’s feels like late lottery this year. Cash in while you can.
Like if the Lakers offer their 2026 1st rounder (currently 22nd) for Ayo straight up with Gabe Vincent deal. I’d take it.
So much talent in the 20-30 range this year it’s insane.
Lol Ellis is NOT going for a 1st, I promise you that. Who would be willing to do that for a guy that’s hardly playing on one of the worst teams in the NBA and is having a very down year. Ayo on the other hand is a much better player but he’s a UFA that teams can just sign out right in the offseason.
Monk and Ellis for Julius Randle. Maybe throw in Conley and/or Dillingham.