Saturday, January 11, 2025

Reliable, $5.1 million guard could be top trade target for Milwaukee Bucks

There’s no denying that the Milwaukee Bucks core is already filled with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way. The thing is, the roster could become an even bigger threat in the NBA if they acquire Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings.

Ellis began his career at Eustis High School in Florida before transferring to Leesburg High School, where he led his team to two consecutive state championships. After high school, Ellis committed to college basketball at Florida Southwestern, where he quickly rose to fame. He averaged 8.3 points his freshman year and was named Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. His sophomore season was remarkable; he set school records by averaging 18.1 points and 2.1 steals per game, earning Second Team NJCAA All-American and Suncoast Player of the Year honors.

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March 25, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Cameron Payne (22) dive for the ball during the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

In 2020, Ellis transferred to the University of Alabama, where he continued to develop his skills. As a junior, he averaged 5.5 points and four rebounds per game, and as a senior, he was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team, averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Despite not being drafted, 2022 NBA DraftEllis signed a two-way contract with the Kings, showed potential during the NBA Summer League and then signed a multi-year contract through 2024. Interestingly, he scored a career-high 26 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder and played a key role in the Kings’ play-in tournament victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Sacramento Kings’ Keon Ellis has been announced as a trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks, Keon Ellis
April 4, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) reacts after being fouled against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After two seasons in the league, Ellis is slowly making a name for himself in Sacramento. According to an NBA analysis by Greg Swartz for Bleacher Reportthe adolescent point guard could do exactly the same for the Bucks if the club acquires him,

Ellis should be the Kings’ shooting guard this season, but there are a number of talented players on the defensive line, including De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, rookie Devin Carter and others. If Ellis were to fall out of the rotation, he would be a prime target for many teams due to his three-point shooting, defense, commitment and $2.1 million salary,” Swartz wrote.

The Last SeasonEllis averaged 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 41 percent from deep while playing solid defense. As such, his ability to catch long-range bombs while defending opposing defenses will come in handy, especially with Patrick Beverley no longer on the team.

Milwaukee Bucks, Keon Ellis
April 5, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Jrue Holiday (4) throws the ball over Sacramento Kings point guard Keon Ellis (23) in the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The question remains whether Milwaukee will pursue Ellis or if another team will do so in the future. In either case, his cheap contract and the skill set he brings will work well with a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks, Keon Ellis
April 19, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) arrives at the arena prior to the 2024 NBA Playoffs play-in game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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