Wed Jan 07 04:10:00 UTC 2026: # Keon Ellis’s Scoring Surge Fails to Lift Kings Amidst Trade Rumors

The Story

On Friday, January 2nd, 2026, Keon Ellis put up 16 points for the Sacramento Kings in their 120-106 loss to the Boston Celtics. Ellis shot 6-10 from the field, including 3-6 from three-point range, and added a rebound, an assist, and a steal. Despite his performance, the Kings fell short, and Ellis’s fantasy value remains low due to his inconsistency this season.

Despite Ellis’s flashes of potential, the Kings are reportedly seeking a first-round pick for the “well above-average 3-and-D guard” amid interest from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Key Points

  • Keon Ellis scored 16 points in the Kings’ loss to the Celtics.
  • He shot 6-10 from the field and 3-6 from three.
  • Ellis contributed a rebound, an assist, and a steal.
  • This was only his sixth game scoring over 10 points in 31 games this season.
  • The Kings are reportedly seeking a 1st-round pick for Ellis, with the Lakers interested.
  • The Lakers are supposedly willing to trade Dalton Knecht.

Critical Analysis

The juxtaposition of Ellis’s solid scoring performance and the trade rumors surrounding him highlights a strategic period for the Sacramento Kings. Ellis is demonstrating his potential value, potentially driving up his trade value while the Kings are actively exploring trade options, reportedly seeking a significant return. The Lakers’ interest and willingness to part with Dalton Knecht suggest they see Ellis as a valuable asset for their team’s needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Keon Ellis showed scoring potential despite the Kings’ loss.
  • The Kings are actively evaluating Ellis’s trade value.
  • The Lakers’ interest suggests Ellis is viewed as a valuable player.
  • Ellis’s inconsistency impacts his fantasy value, making him unreliable in that context.
  • The Kings may be leveraging Ellis’s performances to maximize a potential trade return.

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