Knicks Urged to Acquire Keon Ellis: A Smart Depth Move to Bolster Bench for Playoff Push
As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, the New York Knicks sit comfortably as one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams. With a strong 23-9 record through late December 2025, the Knicks have established themselves as legitimate contenders under new head coach Mike Brown. Fresh off an NBA Cup championship and boasting a star-studded core led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, New York is in prime position for a deep playoff run. However, questions linger about the bench’s ability to hold up over a grueling postseason. That’s where a proposed trade for Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis comes into play—a move urged by analysts to add valuable depth without disrupting the team’s chemistry.
Keon Ellis, a 25-year-old undrafted guard out of Alabama, has quietly developed into one of the league’s premier 3-and-D role players. In the 2025-26 season so far, Ellis has shown flashes of his potential, including a season-high 21 points (with 5 threes) in a recent start against the Mavericks. His career 3-point shooting sits at an impressive 41.7%, and he’s proven to be a tenacious defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Ellis thrived under Mike Brown during Brown’s tenure in Sacramento, posting some of his best numbers in those years. Now, with the Kings struggling and potentially looking to reshape their roster, Ellis could be available at a reasonable cost.
Why the Knicks Need This Trade
The Knicks’ starting lineup is among the best in the NBA, but depth has been a concern. While additions like Jordan Clarkson and emerging young players like Tyler Kolek have helped, the bench could use more reliable shooting and perimeter defense. Injuries and load management for stars like Brunson (who has played heavy minutes) highlight the need for plug-and-play contributors. Ellis fits perfectly as a second-unit guard who can space the floor, disrupt opponents on defense, and seamlessly integrate into Brown’s system—since he already knows it inside out.
SNY analyst David Vertsberger recently proposed this exact move, emphasizing Ellis’s fit: “A 6-foot-4 guard doesn’t seem like it should be on the top of New York’s priority list, but as far as realistic short-term upgrades go, they may not find a better one in the league. Ellis is only a four-year player, but even spending all that time with the Sacramento Kings, his strengths have popped through. He’s a strong defender and career 41.7 percent three-point shooter, and had his best years under Knicks head coach Mike Brown. The Kings don’t appear to value him highly despite being one of their few young talents, giving the Knicks a chance to boost their depth at a discounted cost.”
The proposed swap? Ellis for forward Guerschon Yabusele, who has struggled to earn consistent minutes in New York’s rotation this season. Yabusele’s salary aligns closely with Ellis’s, making it a straightforward one-for-one deal that doesn’t push the Knicks deeper into luxury tax territory.
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Mike Brown, hired by the Knicks in the summer of 2025 after his successful stint in Sacramento, has already transformed the team with his emphasis on pace, spacing, and versatile defense. Bringing in a familiar face like Ellis would accelerate that process.
Keon Ellis: A Closer Look at the Target
Ellis entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2022, quickly earning a two-way contract with the Kings. His breakout came in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons under Brown, where he established himself as a rotation staple. Known for his length (6’6″ wingspan), quick hands, and knockdown shooting, Ellis excels in spot-up situations and transition defense.
Key Career Highlights and Stats:
- Career 3PT%: 41.7% on decent volume
- Defensive Prowess: Elite steal and block rates for a guard; often tasked with guarding opponents’ best wings
- 2025-26 Season: Around 5-8 PPG in limited minutes, with outbursts like 21 points and multiple steals/blocks in starts
- Best seasons coincided with Mike Brown’s coaching in Sacramento
In a Knicks uniform, Ellis could thrive alongside bench scorers like Clarkson or as a defender next to Brunson in crunch time. His ability to switch defensively would complement Bridges and Anunoby, creating nightmare matchups for opponents.
The Current Knicks Landscape Under Mike Brown
Since Brown took over, the Knicks have played with more fluidity and depth. They’ve experimented with lineups, trusting young players and veterans alike. The team recently won thrilling games against tough opponents, showcasing resilience. Brunson and Towns have formed a dynamic pick-and-roll duo, while the wings provide elite defense.
However, frontcourt depth (beyond Mitchell Robinson) and consistent backcourt shooting off the bench remain areas for improvement. Acquiring Ellis wouldn’t cost premium assets—just a player like Yabusele who’s fallen out of favor—and could provide immediate impact.
Potential Trade Package and Feasibility
The rumored framework is simple:
- Knicks receive: Keon Ellis
- Kings receive: Guerschon Yabusele (salary match)
This keeps New York under the second apron while adding a young, cost-controlled player entering restricted free agency. Sacramento, amid their own struggles, might prefer Yabusele’s experience or simply clear minutes for other youngsters.
If the Kings demand more, the Knicks could sweeten with a second-round pick, but Ellis’s perceived value in Sacramento makes a straight swap plausible.
Why This Move Could Push the Knicks Over the Top
In a loaded Eastern Conference with teams like the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Bucks, every edge matters. Depth wins championships—look at recent title winners who relied on reliable role players in playoff series. Ellis isn’t a star, but he’s exactly the type of high-IQ, low-maintenance contributor contenders covet.
Critics might argue the Knicks don’t need another guard, but with potential injuries and the physical toll of the playoffs, having a defender/shooter like Ellis could be the difference in a seven-game series. Plus, reuniting him with Brown ensures quick adaptation—no learning curve.
Counterarguments and Risks
Not everyone agrees this is a priority. Some analysts point to frontcourt needs, suggesting targets like backup bigs. Yabusele, despite limited minutes, provides size and versatility that Ellis lacks. Trading him could thin the forward rotation if injuries hit Anunoby or Bridges.
Additionally, Ellis’s minutes have been inconsistent in Sacramento this year due to their crowded backcourt. There’s a risk he doesn’t immediately translate to heavy playoff minutes.
Still, the upside outweighs the downside. At 25, Ellis has room to grow, and under Brown, he could become a long-term piece.
Broader Trade Deadline Outlook for New York
The Knicks aren’t expected to make splashy moves—they’ve already built a contender through smart acquisitions like Towns and Bridges. But minor tweaks like this Ellis trade align with president Leon Rose’s philosophy: add talent without subtracting from the core.
Other rumored targets include big men for insurance behind Robinson/Towns or additional shooters. But Ellis stands out due to the Brown connection and low cost.
Conclusion: Pull the Trigger on Ellis
The New York Knicks are urged—and wisely so—to pursue Keon Ellis. This trade bolsters depth with a proven 3-and-D guard familiar with Mike Brown’s system, at minimal cost. In a season where New York is already exceeding expectations (23-9 record, NBA Cup champs), adding Ellis could provide the bench spark needed for a Finals run.
As the deadline nears, expect rumors to heat up. If the front office listens to voices like Vertsberger, Ellis in orange and blue could be the subtle move that pays massive dividends come June.
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