Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Keon Ellis expresses displeasure about being traded by the Kings

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 8:46 PM ET

Keon Ellis does not sound too pleased about being sent packing by the Sacramento Kings.

The veteran guard Ellis was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as part of a surprising move for forward De’Andre Hunter ( full details here). The move ended Ellis’ tenure in Sacramento after three-and-a-half seasons there.

On Sunday, the Kings posted a farewell message to Ellis over Instagram. Ellis responded in the comments section with a famous GIF of streamer IShowSpeed looking nonchalant and unenthused.

Keon Ellis’ comment on his thank you post from the Sacramento Kings instagram pic.twitter.com/MfkM7rThzR
— lily (@lilyctrl) February 1, 2026

The 26-year-old Ellis signed with the Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He eventually worked his way up to the NBA roster and had become a mainstay in their rotation over the last several years.

Ellis was also a major fan favorite in Sacramento. The local fans grew to love him over his defense and hustle on the court along with his reliable three-point shooting and ability to serve as a “connector,” providing whatever was needed to any given lineup combination.

But now, Ellis is being shipped over 2,000 miles away to Cleveland to suit up for the Cavaliers. Ellis is also far from the only former King to express unhappiness with the team after being traded.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: