In June, the Sacramento Kings picked up Keon Ellis’ team option for $2.3 million, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. The Kings can still extend Ellis when he becomes eligible for that later this season (Feb. 9).
The move makes the 2025-26 season a contract year for the 25-year-old guard. At media day on Monday, Ellis addressed if he felt pressure to perform this year given his contract situation and if he has had any further talks with the Kings about an extension:
“No pressure, I’m just going to go out there and do what I do. I know what I do is wanted so, no pressure. As far as contract extensions-wise, I haven’t really heard too much of anything, but I mean, like I said I don’t really worry about it, so I’ve just got to go out there and be me.”
Ellis said, “I guess you could say” it is motivating being in a contract year but that he hasn’t thought about it much “because technically last year kind of was a little bit as well, but I don’t think that will really change too much of what I do, I think my role will still be the same, the way I play will pretty much still be the same too so I’m looking forward to everything being pretty much the same.”
Ellis averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals. 48% from the field and 43% from three in 24 minutes per game last season.
It isn’t surprising that a lot discussions on the topic haven’t been had; and even if there had been talks, I doubt Ellis would share details. But this is a big storyline this season and something that is going to be monitored closely considering the career trajectory Ellis is on.
Ellis, of course, went undrafted in 2022, later signing a two-way contract with the Kings and developing through the Stockton Kings, and eventually becoming a key rotational piece for the Sacramento Kings.
For his sake I hope he has a great year and leaves. He’s a good player who would help a lot of teams and the Kings are too stupid to realize that.
I also hope Keegan is able to play well and get out of here. I want every seemingly solid young player to get out of Sacramento and get a chance to play for a real franchise.
Yeah, I’m actively rooting for the players I like to find a quick way out of this circus.
Most of the pressure is on the Kings if Keon stays healthy and opts for free agency .
Ben Wallace and Brad Miller were well known, undrafted players, and I believe VanVleet is probably the most well-known current undrafted nba player next to Mac McClung. What are some other players (current or past) that couldn’t get through the front door but made some noise at the party once they got there?
Lou Dort, Austin Reaves, Naz Reid, Alex Caruso, Max Strus, TJ McConnel…
There are quite a few of them. What do those dudes all have in common other than being undrafted…they bust their butts and are difference makers to good teams.
I feel the Kings are sitting one of those guys right now in Keon, but fail to recognize it.
Caruso and McConnel are definitely up there. Not a fan of Dort’s or Reid’s but they’re definitely core rotational guys. Good list!
So the focus is on defense, but we are unlikely to play/pay Keon Ellis. Sigh.
And then people will say that the FO is smart by playing him little to depress his value and being able to re-sign him for a good price…
Freeon Ellis
Cold World!
Since this is the most recent open thread in a busy media day (thanks contributors!), I just wanted to get a pulse on something…
In a vacuum, If you could add either player regardless of position of need…as in who you would you rather have on your roster, would it be Johnathan Kuminga or Quinten Grimes?
Regardless of position of need; Grimes.
I just feel like Kuminga is a low IQ, me-first kind of player, my least favorite type.
This
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My thoughts as well. Grimes seems like just an all around glue guy that doesn’t need to score to have a positive impact on the floor, kind of in an Andrew Nembhard and Austin Reaves kind of way.
As much as I like Scott Perry, he really dropped the ball with Keon. The modern NBA loves guys who are quick, with long wingspans who are relentless on defense, and can shoot the 3. The Kings luck out and find Keon… but then choose to roll the dice and not lock him up for a few years while they hold all the cards. An absolute head-scratcher. But then, we’re talking about the Kings…dammit.
Keon isn’t coming back.
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