7 Keon Ellis destinations for the surprisingly popular trade candidate

[ASFN Admin]

Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis is one of the hottest names on the market before the upcoming NBA trade deadline with several suitors interested.

Ellis would potentially head out via trade alongside either DeMar DeRozan or Malik Monk in an effort for the Kings to shed salary as their season remains in the gutter.

Here is more from Marc Stein about just how coveted the defensive-oriented guard is right now (via The Stein Line):

"An estimated 14 teams have registered varying degrees of trade interest in Sacramento's Keon Ellis."

Stein described an Ellis trade as an "inevitability" before the deadline. The Kings will likely seek a first-round pick in return.

With interest from approximately half the league, who are some teams emerging as legitimate suitors?

1. Cleveland Cavaliers​

The Cavaliers are the latest team to make headlines for expressing a desire for Ellis, per Marc Stein:

"Sacramento's conversations on a Keon Ellis trade have only intensified, sources tell Jake Fischer and me, with Cleveland joining the large group of teams vying for the in-demand swingman."

2. Los Angeles Lakers​

Broderick Turner and Thuc Nhi Nguyen reported the interest, via Los Angeles Times. Bobby Marks wrote about the potential fit (via ESPN):

"Ellis fills a need for the Lakers, who would acquire his Bird rights for next season. More importantly, Ellis' $2.4 million free agent hold allows the Lakers to use cap space in free agency to fill out their roster and still exceed the cap to sign the guard."

3. Boston Celtics​

James Ham mentioned the Boston Celtics as one of the teams interested in trading for Ellis.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves​

James Ham also mentioned the Minnesota Timbwrwolves as another team interested in trading for Ellis.

5. New York Knicks​

James L. Edwards III wrote about New York's potential interest (via The Athletic):

"From a money standpoint, Keon Ellis would be easy for the Knicks to take on. He’s only making $2.3 million this year. Ellis and Doug McDermott for Yabusele and some second-round picks would get it done on paper, but it takes two to tango. Yabusele has a player option for next season that Sacramento might not be interested in and I’ve heard the Kings are currently interested in a late first-round pick for Ellis, though that can change as the deadline inches closer."

6. Milwaukee Bucks​

Ellis is on the "radar" for the Bucks despite their recent struggled, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

7. Indiana Pacers​

The Pacers are reportedly interested in Ellis, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, and have targeted him in the past as well.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 7 Keon Ellis destinations for the surprisingly popular trade candidate

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