Mock Zach LaVine trade gifts Bucks hidden gem from Kings

Zach LaVine is a name the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly keeping a close eye on on the trade market. Whatever he is not defensively, he could be the additional shot creator and scorer they so desperately need. LaVine is also not likely a long-term fit for the franchise. He is older, has an injury history, and if he does stay healthy, will still command a sizable salary in his next contract. 

In a mock trade by Bleacher Report, the real return might be coveted young guard Keon Ellis. Obscured by a poor start to 2025-26, he has already demonstrated two-way skills that both elevate his floor and hint at possibly untapped potential.

Chance to snag Ellis cheap makes trade worth at least a look

The trade is not perfect. Kyle Kuzma is the team's best wing defender and the closest thing to a small forward. Shipping him out for two more 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5 guards leaves the Bucks without an answer for bigger opposing wings. LaVine is not a plus defender as is.

It is also debatable whether sacrificing an unprotected first-round pick, one of the most valuable in the NBA, would be advisable for what the Bucks would get in return. LaVine is an efficient scorer, no doubt about that. But has not shown himself to be a winning player and, despite his recent durability, has a concerning track record of major injuries. In the end, it seems unlikely that the Bucks would be better off after the trade than before it.

Still, buying low on Ellis could be smart. Previously, the Kings have balked at giving up the soon-to-be 26-year-old guard who went undrafted out of Alabama. Last season, his third in the league, it was easy to see why. 

In 24 minutes per night, Ellis averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 steals while shooting 43.3 percent on threes. He was incredibly efficient for a guard, posting a 63.9 effective field goal percentage and true shooting of 66.4. He played relentless defense. A positive factor on both ends of the court, Ellis generated a plus-five on-off differential. He seemed a lot like Sacramento's version of Ryan Rollins, already a solid contributor and primed for further growth. 

That hasn't happened in 2025-26. While Ellis remains an excellent defender, his scoring efficiency has tanked from everywhere on the floor. The product of 38.5/35.2/59.1 splits, his true shooting percentage has plunged to 51.2. His modest but budding skills as a playmaker have declined. His assist rate has dipped to just 5.9 percent. 

Ellis has lost favor in Sacramento's rotation; despite their hard-ball stance, just maybe the Kings would be willing to sell low. After earning 28 starts last season, Ellis has just two this year, and his minutes are way down. For intents and purposes, he has taken a step back.

That could be the Bucks' chance to strike. As dysfunctional as this team has been without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 7-22 Kings are an even bigger mess. They are a franchise void of direction. The 27 games this season do not negate what Ellis showed in 2024-25. Ellis still has promise. He might just need a fresh start.

For the Bucks, the question is whether a former undrafted free agent, Ellis, and an undersized, expensive wing, LaVine, are worth a premium first-round pick. In Kuzma and Portis, Milwaukee would be burning two quality rotation pieces. That number is three if you consider Harris' contributions. 

LaVine's contract attracts the most attention; Ellis' situation is also relevant. Playing this season on a cheap team option, he will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Despite his upside, to even consider the deal, the Bucks would have to feel confident Ellis would sign with the team long-term. Otherwise, all that promise doesn't do them any good.