Keon Ellis Trade Interest Spikes For Kings

Merlin sees Sacramento shopping Keon Ellis as the trade deadline approaches. Sam Vecenie reports that "Ellis is the King who has received the most interest on the trade market to this point," largely because of "a combination of his contract and perceived value." At 25, on an expiring $2.3 million deal with Early Bird Rights and a reputation for defense, Ellis offers low cost and upside, though limited minutes mean his market looks like a couple of second rounders. Merlin knows a sinking team will trade the easiest asset, and the Kings are 6 and 21, so moving Ellis makes sense compared with costly veterans. Teams that want a cheap, retainable wing defender could treat multiple seconds as real value. His price will hinge on who shows him minutes and how buyers value those future picks.