Kings seeking first-round pick for Keon Ellis

Keon Ellis has moved to the front of Sacramento’s trade line.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Kings guard is widely viewed around the NBA as one of the most likely players to be moved before the February 5 deadline. Ellis has not held a consistent rotation role this season, but that has not cooled outside interest. If anything, it has sharpened it.

Several teams are targeting Ellis for his perimeter defense, energy, and upside as a low-usage, high-impact backcourt piece. Sacramento, meanwhile, is setting a firm price. A first-round pick. Not seconds. Not filler. A real asset.

That asking price reflects how the Kings view Ellis internally, even if his on-court role has fluctuated. Around the league, there is growing belief that a deal involving Ellis is not just possible. It is likely. Some think it is inevitable.

Sacramento is expected to be active at the deadline, and Ellis appears to be one of the clearest paths to draft capital or roster flexibility.

In other words, this one feels like a matter of when, not if.