The Golden State Warriors are making waves in the NBA trade market, setting their sights on Sacramento Kings’ rising star Keon Ellis, according to Forbes’ Evan Sidery. The 25-year-old guard, who has spent his entire three-year career with the Kings, has emerged as one of the league’s most underrated 3-and-D talents, and the Warriors are eager to bring his skills to the Bay Area.
Last season, Ellis showcased his two-way prowess, averaging 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 80 contests. His shooting efficiency was equally impressive, with a 48.9% field goal percentage and a scorching 43.3% from beyond the arc. These numbers have made him a coveted asset, particularly for a Warriors team looking to bolster their backcourt alongside Stephen Curry.
Sidery reports that the Warriors have expressed keen interest in Ellis during sign-and-trade discussions involving Jonathan Kuminga. However, the Kings have firmly labeled Ellis as untouchable, signaling their high regard for the young guard’s potential. Eligible for a long-term extension in the 2025-26 season, Ellis could be a cornerstone for any team looking to blend defensive tenacity with reliable outside shooting.
The Warriors’ pursuit of Ellis has sparked lively debate among fans and analysts. Sam Esfandiari took a jab at the Warriors’ front office, tweeting, “Warriors front office still thinks it’s 2012 where they can con someone into trading a defensive oriented player who impacts winning for a scorer who does not.” Meanwhile, @cagomez, a Warriors fan, expressed enthusiasm, noting, “Kings aren’t trading him, but that is the one player as a Warriors fan I was pushing for. He can instantly slide into the starting backcourt with Curry, take the biggest defensive assignment, and hit 3s.” Another fan, @ABZato, went as far as to claim Ellis is “better than Kuminga. Better shooter and defender.”
On the flip side, skepticism persists among some Warriors supporters. @solomon_tech quipped, “Warriors fans will say that this is not good enough, let’s wait for Jalen Brunson,” reflecting the high expectations of a fanbase accustomed to championship contention.
Coming off a 48-34 season that saw them secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference, the Warriors are hungry to reclaim their status as title contenders. Their playoff run ended in a second-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, underscoring the need for defensive upgrades and complementary pieces around their veteran core. Ellis, with his ability to guard elite perimeter players and knock down open threes, could be the perfect fit for Golden State’s system.