What About Keon Ellis?
Cleveleand has joined 13 other teams in their pursuit of Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, per NBA Insider Marc Stein.
“Sacramento’s conversations on a Keon Ellis trade have only intensified, sources tell Jake Fischer and me, with Cleveland joining the large group of teams vying for the in-demand swingman,” Stein said.
Ellis has struggled to secure consistent minutes this year with the Kings. Eliis, who produced a career season last year, averages 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 18 minutes. He is making 1.2 threes while shooting 39.2% from the field and 36.8% from deep. Additionally, he has scored in double figures nine times, including two 20-point efforts.
Ellis makes a lot of sense, as he is a defensive playmaker who fits the Cavaliers’ defensive identity well, which is built on containment and rim protection, with Mobley and Allen anchoring the unit. Ellis excels at the point of attack, navigating screens, and as a disruptor who funnels drivers for help.
Plus, with the Cavs backcourt being more offensive-minded, Ellis can defend opposing point guards when Mitchell and Garland are targeted. Offensively, Ellis is a low-usage player who is a solid shooter off the catch and works well off the ball — cutting and relocating. However, Ellis is not a star shutdown-type defender and can be exposed by bigger wings.
The problem is that there is no clean way for the Cavs to acquire Ellis that makes sense. Perhaps the teams could reach a deal involving Ellis and Dario Saric for Lonzo Ball, along with the Cavaliers’ 2030 first-rounder.
Perhaps, the Kings would be willing to take Hunter and the Cavs 2030 first-rounder for Ellis and Malik Monk.
