Sacramento Kings reportedly want a first-round pick for Keon Ellis

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking for a first-round pick in return for Keon Ellis, according to J.L. Edwards III. The report notes that the asking price could shift as the trade deadline approaches, but the current talk is a “late first-rounder.”

From a salary standpoint, Ellis is described as an easy fit for New York, as he is making $2.3 million this season. Within that context, a hypothetical deal is floated: Ellis and Doug McDermott to the Knicks for Yabusele and some second-round picks.

Still, the report stresses that “it takes two to tango.” Yabusele holds a player option for next season, a contract detail Sacramento may not be interested in, keeping the focus on the Kings’ current preference: extracting first-round value for Ellis.