An NBA trade idea sending Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings to the Houston Rockets has been created.
NBA writer Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Kings and Rockets in the wake of Houston point guard Fred VanVleet tearing his right ACL:
Houston Rockets receive: Keon Ellis, 2026 Charlotte Hornets second-rounder, $5.7 million trade exception (Tari Eason)
Kings receive: Tari Eason, $2.3 million trade exception (Keon Ellis)
“The Rockets use the Cam Whitmore trade exception to acquire Ellis,” Pincus wrote. “The Kings use part of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception on Eason. After the deal, Houston stands $4.6 million below its $195.9 million first-apron hard cap, with an open roster spot for another veteran (or possibly for camp invite Cam Matthews).
“Sacramento remains under the $187.9 million luxury tax threshold by roughly $2.25 million with 14 players. The second from the Hornets will convey in the 31-55 range, but Charlotte doesn’t project to be a top-5 team this coming season.”
VanVleet is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his right ACL. The Rockets can’t fill their open roster spot with a free agent since they are $1.25M below the first apron.
Ellis appeared in 80 games for the Kings last season. He averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 48.9% from the field, 43.3% from beyond the arc and 84.9% from the free-throw line.
The 25-year-old Ellis will make $2.3 million in 2025-26. He has career averages of 6.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka can start Ellis alongside Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün.
“For the Rockets, it’s a question of need and financial fit. They like Eason, but may not be able to afford him, while needing some help at guard after losing VanVleet,” Pincus wrote.