The NBA offseason is heating up, and Sacramento Kings wing Keon Ellis has emerged as a prime trade target for two of the league’s biggest powerhouses: the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams are reportedly locked in a fierce pursuit to acquire the elite 3-and-D star, whose defensive prowess and sharpshooting have made him one of the most coveted young talents in the league.
Keon Ellis has quickly established himself as a standout two-way player. In the 2024-25 season, the 25-year-old wing showcased his versatility, averaging 8.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.3% from beyond the arc. His elite perimeter defense, combined with his reliable offensive upside, makes him a perfect fit for contending teams looking to bolster their rosters with a high-impact role player.
The Warriors recently expressed interest in Keon Ellis, who the Kings have kept off limits in ongoing sign-and-trade negotiations involving Jonathan Kuminga.
Ellis, one of the most underrated 3-and-D guards, becomes eligible for a new long-term deal during the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/jH6oyQqITW
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 18, 2025
However, the Kings sent shockwaves through the NBA when they declined to offer Ellis a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent during the 2025 offseason. Instead, Sacramento opted to pick up his $2.3 million team option, a move that sparked widespread speculation about the team’s intentions. Many around the league now believe the Kings are open to trading their rising star, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster deal.
The Golden State Warriors have been at the forefront of the Ellis sweepstakes. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery on July 18, the Warriors are open to a bold sign-and-trade deal that would send young forward Jonathan Kuminga to Sacramento in exchange for Ellis. This potential swap has sent ripples through the basketball world, as Kuminga, a former lottery pick, is seen as a cornerstone of Golden State’s future.
However, the Warriors’ pursuit of Ellis is complicated by their ongoing contract negotiations with Kuminga. Per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Kuminga’s camp is seeking a long-term deal in the $30 million range and is open to a move elsewhere, while the Warriors prefer a shorter-term contract in the $20 million range to maintain trade flexibility. This impasse has stalled Golden State’s offseason plans, including rumored signings of veterans Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, according to multiple insiders.
Despite reports suggesting reluctance to meet Kuminga’s demands, an anonymous Warriors front office executive pushed back, telling Sportrac, “We still love Jonathan. We’re hopeful we can figure out a way to strike a balance that works for him and for us. But we’re not going to compromise our roster-building ability now, or in the future.”
Not to be outdone, the Los Angeles Lakers have also entered the fray, eager to add Ellis’ elite perimeter defense and shooting to their backcourt. On July 23, multiple reports confirmed the Lakers’ interest, highlighting their need for a two-way guard to complement stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Popular Lakers fan account LakersTom proposed a daring trade, suggesting the Lakers send rookie Dalton Knecht to Sacramento in exchange for Ellis.
“Here’s an interesting trade that could be win-win,” LakersTom wrote. “The Lakers get a legitimate two-way shooting guard who is an elite point-of-attack and perimeter defender, exactly what LA needs for a Luka/Austin backcourt. The Kings get a young player who could be the explosive wing scorer every team covets.”
While the idea of trading Knecht, a promising young talent, has sparked debate among Lakers fans, the potential addition of Ellis could provide the defensive tenacity and shooting Los Angeles desperately needs to contend in the Western Conference.
The Kings’ decision to pick up Ellis’ team option rather than secure him with a long-term deal has raised eyebrows across the league. Kings GM Scott Perry defended the move on July 23, stating via SacTownSports.com, “Ultimately, it’s a show of trust that we picked up his option, instead of making him a restricted free agent.”
A Sacramento front office executive added, “That helped us add some talent this year that we might not have been able to get otherwise. Now, we hope to get something done that keeps Keon in Sacramento, because he’s a really good player and different from all of our other guards.”
Despite these comments, the Kings’ reluctance to lock up Ellis long-term has fueled speculation that they are open to trade offers, especially as they look to reshape their roster around star players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
As the Warriors and Lakers vie for Keon Ellis, the NBA world is watching closely to see where the talented wing will land. For Golden State, acquiring Ellis could provide the defensive versatility and shooting needed to complement Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as they chase another championship. For the Lakers, Ellis could be the missing piece to elevate their backcourt and solidify their contender status.
With the Kings seemingly open to deals and both suitors navigating their own roster challenges, the race for Ellis is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 offseason. Will Sacramento hold firm and extend their young star, or will Ellis don a new jersey in the Bay Area or Los Angeles? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Keon Ellis is a name to watch as the trade market heats up.