NBA Rumors: 14 Teams Have Interest in Kings' Keon Ellis as Trade Talks Ramp Up

Keon Ellis has been mentioned as one of the most likely players to be traded all throughout this NBA season. Now, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (h/t Hoops Wire), the Sacramento Kings are "intensifying" trade talks for the much-in-demand 3-and-D specialist.

In fact, reports are that no less than 14 teams have interest in the 6'4" elite perimeter defender.

The Kings are still sifting through various scenarios for Keon Ellis, sources say, several of which would include trading out veteran forward DeMar DeRozan and/or combo guard Malik Monk along with him. https://t.co/VD0USTNhtv
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) January 30, 2026

"The Kings are still sifting through various scenarios for Keon Ellis, sources say, several of which would include trading out veteran forward DeMar DeRozan and/or combo guard Malik Monk along with him," writes Fischer.

As a valuable, cost-effective rotation player, Ellis has made his mark in the league despite going undrafted out of Alabama in 2022.

Almost half the league's teams are interested in Keon Ellis

Reports say the list of teams with interest include, but isn't limited to:

Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks
Golden State Warriors
Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers

Aside from Milwaukee and Indiana, that list covers many of the teams that fancy themselves as legit contenders this season.

One of the issues complicating matters, both for the Kings and any acquiring team, is the fact that Ellis becomes extension-eligible on February 9. If he isn't signed by July 1, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

Of course, the February 5 trade deadline arrives before that contract eligibility date, so it seems almost certain that he will be dealt.

Ellis is a sought-after 3-and-D specialist on the trade market

Ellis established himself as a valuable part of the Kings' rotation last season, playing over 24 minutes a night, while locking down players on the perimeter, and shooting a robust 43.3% from three-point range. He averaged 8.3 points per game and 1.5 steals.

His role has surprisingly diminished this season, as he's playing seven fewer minutes per game, and all of his production has dropped accordingly.

But his attraction on the trade market has not.

A high-energy player who can provide a spark off the bench, Ellis could play a vital role for a contender down the stretch and fit in just about any team's lineup.

Sacramento is hoping to land a late first-round pick in a trade, per Sam Amico. Ellis is on an expiring deal, at $2.3 million.