Kings pick up option on Keon Ellis’ contract

The Kings are picking up their $2.3M option on Keon Ellis‘ contract, James Ham of The Kings Beat tweets.

If Sacramento had declined the option and instead given him a qualifying offer of approximately $2.9M, Ellis would have been a restricted free agent. This could signal that they’re confident an extension agreement can be reached prior to next offseason.

Otherwise, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent a year from now. Ellis’ contract for next season won’t be fully guaranteed until January.

Ellis’ current contract is a bargain by any standard. He appeared in 80 games last season, including 24 starts. He averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals.

Entering his fourth season, the undrafted Ellis is valued for his defense and his ability to shoot beyond the arc. Ellis has made 42.9% of his three-point attempts during his first three seasons.

He currently projects as backup to Zach LaVine but the Kings are expected to be very active in the free agent and trade markets.