Pros, cons of Bleacher Report's fresh trade targets for the Bucks

Keon Ellis, SG, Sacramento Kings

The 24-year-old Keon Ellis is a young, athletic wing with loads of defensive upside. Standing at 6-foot-5, his combination of athleticism, defensive intensity and developing offensive skills make him a tantalizing target for teams looking for young talent.

According to Cleaning the Glass (Subscription required), opponents scored 3.2 fewer points per 100 possessions and 3.0 effective field goal percentage points less whenever Ellis was on the floor for Sacramento - good for the 78th and 91st percentiles in those statistics among combo guards.

It's clear he has the potential to develop into a solid defender and contribute on both ends of the court. His defensive intensity and hustle make him a valuable asset for any team, especially one like the Milwaukee Bucks that prides itself on its defensive identity.

Ellis' offensive game is still developing, but he has shown flashes of potential. He's capable of knocking down 3-pointers and making swift and opportunistic cuts to the basket, and he finished last season shooting over 40 percent from behind the 3-point line. He also put up 5.4 points, 2.2 boards, and 1.5 assists per game on 17 minutes a night, which are relatively decent numbers, all things considered.

His athleticism allows him to create his own shot and get to the basket, even if he has yet to develop the soft touch you need to consistently finish around the rim. However, his offensive consistency and decision-making need improvement. Ultimately, though, his offensive game is still raw, and he needs to improve his shooting and decision-making if he wants to earn rotation minutes on any NBA team.

Despite the reputation he's already built for himself in just his sophomore season, Ellis is still very much a young project who might not be ready to contribute significantly at the NBA level right away. The Bucks, with their championship aspirations, need players who can make an immediate impact. While Ellis' potential is intriguing, the Bucks might be better served targeting more established players who can contribute to their win-now mentality.

For all the compelling aspects of his game and the flashes of potential he’s shown thus far, the reality with Keon Ellis is this: his offensive game is still raw, and he needs to improve his shooting and decision-making.

While Ellis has potential, the Bucks need a more immediate contributor to their championship aspirations. His raw offensive skills and defensive development timeline might not align with their win-now window.

While the Bucks roster may look set for the time being, the front office is no doubt open to acquiring players who can contribute defensively and fit seamlessly into their system, even if it means trading some of their established pieces.

While Jordan Clarkson's scoring ability is tempting, his defensive deficiencies and high-usage style make him a risky acquisition. Kris Dunn's defensive prowess makes him a potential fit, but his offensive limitations need to be carefully considered. Keon Ellis is a young long-term project player who might not be ready to contribute immediately, which may not help their title chances.

Regardless of who they end up going with - if they plan to make any additional moves at all - the Milwaukee Bucks must be patient and strategic in their pursuit of the right trade piece to bolster their championship chances.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis as the 2024-25 NBA regular season draws closer.