Kings Sign G Keon Ellis to 3-Year Deal After Trade Deadline
The Sacramento Kings did not make any moves at the February 8 trade deadline - unless you consider acquiring and then waiving C Robin Lopez a move - but have decided to take the next step in their development the following day.
The Kings have signed G Keon Ellis to a three-year deal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ellis was on a two-way contract this season after re-signing with the Kings over the summer but has been converted to a new first-team deal worth over $5.5 million. The third year includes a team option.
Keon Ellis, 24, came out of Alabama undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft but was signed to a two-way deal with the Kings after. Ellis' new deal had him on for one more year as a King, but the team saw enough from Ellis to move forward with him in a backup guard role.
Ellis is averaging 3.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in his 29 appearances this season. While the numbers may seem low, Keon has been a high-effort player for the Kings since he began getting his shot this season.
Ellis notably started three games this season when Star G De'Aaron Fox was out with injuries, getting a chance over Kings G Davion Mitchell, who was linked to an exit from the team during the trade window.
His high of the season came in December against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he dropped 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in just over 27 minutes while also shooting 75% from the field.
He also averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in the G League last season with the Stockton Kings. Ellis has not appeared for Stockton this season, and will not be limited to only 50 game appearances that the NBA allows for two-way players anymore.
While Ellis' stats may not impress, he has shown to be a determined player who deserves his chance at making a bigger name for himself - and will have at least two years to do that. Ellis notably was also the only player to show up at the post-game press conferences after some devastating losses this season for the Kings, showing lots of initiative for the up-and-comer.
Kings fans may be upset over the lack of moves made at the trade deadline, but this is one they can be happy about.
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