NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers, and Two Other Title Contenders Want a Key Piece from the Sacramento Kings
Golden State, Los Angeles, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves are fighting to secure the services of a 25-year-old player.
The Sacramento Kings have fully entered a selling phase, but it is surprising that, despite facing a rebuild, the franchise is willing to part ways with Keon Ellis, a young 3-and-D shooting guard with great potential. At 25, Ellis is a very versatile perimeter defender and has been shooting over 41% from beyond the arc for three consecutive seasons.
His minutes have decreased this season, and according to journalist Marc Stein, the franchise is entertaining offers for him. Ellis will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season unless the Kings reconsider and decide to negotiate an extension when it can be signed, starting in February, once the trade deadline has passed.
Meanwhile, until his contractual situation is resolved, Ellis will be one of the most sought-after names in the market. Insider Evan Sidery points to four franchises that would emerge as top candidates to acquire him.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have started the season outstandingly, with a record of 14-4, but they can still strengthen their defense. The team ranks 15th in the NBA in defensive rating and has been linked for weeks to a strong interest in Ellis. Adding an elite perimeter defender could further raise the ceiling of the Los Angeles team.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets will have the opportunity to evaluate Ellis up close this week as Sacramento visits Houston. Any serious contender typically appreciates a boost in perimeter defense, and Ellis would fit in as an additional high-level piece. A recent proposal from the All NBA Podcast — reported by Fadeaway World — suggested a package consisting of Josh Okogie, Fred VanVleet (currently injured), and a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for Ellis and Malik Monk.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are also among the interested teams. The Bay Area team urgently needs to improve their perimeter defense, a weak point that opponents frequently exploit when attacking the basket. Ellis would be an ideal addition to strengthen a vulnerable perimeter.
Minnesota Timberwolves
In the case of Minnesota, adding a 3-and-D player does not seem to align with their current needs. The Timberwolves are the fourth-best team in the NBA in three-point percentage, and with players like Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards, they are not lacking perimeter defenders. Their deficiency lies more in the point guard position, and Ellis does not fulfill that role, making this match the least fitting among the four mentioned.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Warriors, Lakers y otros dos candidatos al anillo quieren a una pieza clave de Sacramento Kings
