The Boston Celtics are actively involved in trade discussions as the February 5 deadline approaches. According to Kings beat writer James Ham, Boston is one of at least four teams that have recently made offers for Keon Ellis, who leads the NBA with a 78% trade probability by the deadline (per Polymarket).
Ham said on his podcast:
“I know for a fact that there are tons of teams that have called the Kings about Keon Ellis. According to my sources, here’s some names you have to keep in mind: the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Indiana Pacers, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have all called on Keon Ellis.”
Why Keon Ellis Fits Boston Keon Ellis is one of the most coveted players ahead of the deadline thanks to his expiring $2.3 million salary and career 41% three-point shooting. He is a plug-and-play perimeter defender and shooter – exactly what contenders need.
This season, Ellis has struggled for consistent minutes under coach Doug Christie (minutes dropped from 24.4 to 17.5), leading to reduced production. But scouts remain extremely high on his upside. An NBA GM told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney:
“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. He makes ($2.3) million. You can take a guy off the end of your bench, put a couple of 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 for Ellis – a price Boston can match.
Possible Trade Structure Boston lacks many first-round picks (2029 sent to Portland, 2032 frozen), but could offer:
Xavier Tillman Sr. (expiring contract) or Baylor Scheierman (second-year guard) for salary matching.
A 2026 second-round pick (via Detroit/Milwaukee/Orlando).
In a larger deal, Boston could use Anfernee Simons’ $27 million expiring salary to absorb higher salary from Sacramento, though that seems unlikely.
Celtics’ No. 1 Priority Remains a Center While Ellis is an appealing target, Boston’s top focus ahead of the deadline is still finding a new starting center, per multiple league sources. The Celtics have been “aggressive” in pursuing frontcourt upgrades, with Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, and Yves Missi among the names linked.
Ellis would be a smart perimeter addition for defense and spacing, but the paint remains the biggest area of need.
Celtics Nation – would you trade for Keon Ellis? Or save assets for a bigger center move? Drop your thoughts below! Go Celtics!