As the February 5 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics are positioning themselves for a blockbuster move that could quietly reshape their championship aspirations. Amid aggressive pursuit of a starting center upgrade, fresh reports indicate Boston has entered the fray for one of the league’s most intriguing low-cost targets: Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis.
According to Kings insider James Ham on the Locked On Kings podcast, the Celtics are among at least four serious suitors—including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks—who have recently inquired about Ellis. “I know for a fact that there are tons of teams that have called the Kings about Keon Ellis,” Ham stated, highlighting the 26-year-old’s skyrocketing trade value with a reported 78% probability of moving before the deadline (per Polymarket).
Ellis, a career 41.5% three-point shooter, embodies the perfect 3-and-D archetype that contenders crave. On an expiring $2.3 million deal, he’s an inexpensive, plug-and-play addition who brings elite perimeter defense, shot-making off the catch, and versatility without disrupting salary cap flexibility. Despite a reduced role this season under Kings head coach Doug Christie—his minutes dropping from 24.4 last year to around 17.5—scouts and executives remain bullish on his upside.
An NBA GM recently told Heavy Sports that Ellis remains highly desirable: “He has not even played that great this season, but he has a couple things going for him that are pushing his market. One, he is plug-and-play. Everybody needs another guy who can knock down shots and defend on the perimeter. Two, he is cheap. You can take a guy off the end of your bench, put a couple second-round picks in the deal and come away with a guy who would be in anyone’s rotation right now.”
The Kings are reportedly seeking a late first-round pick in return, a price the Celtics can easily match given their control over most future draft assets (with exceptions in 2029 to Portland and 2032 frozen). Boston could facilitate the deal using second-year guard Baylor Scheierman, the expiring contract of Xavier Tillman Sr., or even package assets creatively. While a larger swap involving Anfernee Simons’ $27 million expiring salary to absorb a bigger Kings contract appears unlikely, the Celtics’ flexibility makes them a strong contender.
Landing Ellis would add a high-upside wing defender and shooter to Boston’s already formidable core, potentially slotting him into a devastating starting five alongside elite playmakers and defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and contribute immediately fits seamlessly into the Celtics’ system—elevating their perimeter defense and spacing without sacrificing depth.
While Boston’s top priority remains securing a frontcourt anchor—with names like Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, and Yves Missi in focus—the addition of Ellis represents a savvy, low-risk move that could prove transformative. In a market flooded with big names, quietly acquiring a rising 3-and-D talent on a bargain deal might just be the understated heist that pushes the Celtics toward another title run. If negotiations heat up further, Boston could emerge with the steal of the offseason.