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Brad Stevens and the Celtics have spent the offseason dealing with the NBA’s second apron.
The Boston Celtics have surprised just about everyone this season.
At 23–13 and sitting third in the Eastern Conference, Boston has navigated what was supposed to be a transition year with far more stability than expected. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, the Celtics have leaned on an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown, who has anchored both ends of the floor and kept Boston firmly in the mix.
That unexpected success has reshaped how the Celtics approach the trade deadline.
They are not searching for a reset. They are not chasing a headline move. If anything, they are now in position to be selective.
A recent idea floated by FanSided’s Sam LaFrance, suggests Boston should explore a low-cost addition that could quietly address a specific need.
Why This Trade Idea Has Entered the Conversation
According to ESPN, the Sacramento Kings have fielded calls on guard Keon Ellis, a defensive-minded perimeter player on an expiring contract.
Ellis is not a headline name. But around the league, he has earned a reputation as a disruptive defender who understands his role. He pressures the ball, jumps passing lanes, and competes on every possession.
At 26, Ellis is playing on a modest deal and approaching unrestricted free agency. Sacramento has not ruled out keeping him, but the uncertainty around his future has made him a player teams are monitoring.
For a Celtics team not looking to shake its foundation, that kind of profile stands out.
Keon Ellis is a MONSTER point of attack defender…
Sacramento had a top 10 defense post-allstar last season & Ellis was a huge reason why. Master deflection/poke-out artist. Full-court pressure bully. Hyper-aglie. Even knocked down a high clip of open 3s. Crucial piece for SAC.
Why the Fit Makes Sense for the Celtics
Ellis checks several boxes Boston consistently prioritizes.
He defends at the point of attack, can guard multiple perimeter positions, and does not require touches to make an impact. Offensively, he spaces the floor well enough to stay playable and has shown the ability to knock down open threes when the ball finds him.
That matters on a roster built around structure.
Boston already has its creators. What it often looks for on the margins are players who can defend, stay connected, and survive playoff possessions without becoming a target. Ellis fits that mold.
He would not be asked to do much. And that is part of the appeal.
What Could Complicate a Deal
The challenge is not money.
Ellis’ contract is small enough that Boston could make the math work using minimum or fringe contracts. For Boston, that could be someone like Chris Boucher, who has not featured in the rotation. The complication comes with cost and timing.
Sacramento may want draft compensation for a player it still values. And Boston has been selective about parting with picks, especially in a season where patience has paid off.
There is also the question of role certainty. Ellis has floated in and out of Sacramento’s rotation, and his production has dipped compared to last season. While his defensive impact remains respected, acquiring a player without a locked-in role always carries some risk.
What are you honest thoughts on Chris Boucher?😬
Final Word for the Celtics
This is the type of trade idea Boston can afford to explore without forcing anything.
Keon Ellis is not a swing-for-the-fences move. He is a situational upgrade. A versatile defender who fits the Celtics’ identity and could help on the margins if the price stays reasonable.
But the Celtics are not in a position where they need to act.
They are winning. Their rotation is functioning. And their greatest strength this season has been restraint.
If Sacramento’s asking price softens, this is the kind of move worth revisiting. Until then, it remains exactly what it should be.
A conversation worth having.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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