Countless teams have Keon Ellis on their radar ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, and to the surprise of no one, the Milwaukee Bucks are among them. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that not only are the Bucks interested, but they've also already held exploratory talks on a deal that would bring the guard to Milwaukee. Despite a robust market, the Bucks could ultimately snag the in-demand guard.
Bucks exploring Keon Ellis trade with Kings
Per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie (subscription required), Ellis is the Sacramento King garnering the most interest on the trade market right now. Due to a combination of his incredibly friendly salary and his solid two-way play, he's the type of player everyone wants to get their hands on. The Bucks are more than justified in making a move to get the guard if they go down that route.
Per Scotto, the rumored framework between the Bucks and Kings involves Milwaukee sending out Bobby Portis and an unnamed minimum player for Ellis and Malik Monk. If that's the deal, meaning no draft capital is involved, it's worth exploring for the Bucks. Things get far murkier if the Kings are firm on getting additional assets for their two guards.
Ellis is a fine player, but he's currently having a down year after breaking out last year. In 39 games, he's now averaging 5.3 points while shooting under 40 percent from the field, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per matchup. He won't be the player to help fix Milwaukee's sluggish offense—that would be Monk—but he could certainly help the perimeter defense, which has also had no shortage of issues.
In addition to immediately making an impact on anyone's defense, Ellis would also be an affordable piece for any team acquiring him. He's on the books for just $2.3 million, but any interested suitor must understand that he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Simply put, if you trade for him, be ready to pay him or lose him for nothing shortly after.
The Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks feel like obvious trade partners in the coming weeks before the NBA Trade Deadline. If not for Monk and Ellis, it's already been reported that the Bucks have a real interest in Zach LaVine. Fans can debate which deal they would rather see, but it's clear that the two front offices will discuss various frameworks before February 5.
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