Keon Ellis is an American professional NBA basketball player, known for his 3-and-D role as a shooting guard. Rising from a junior college prospect to an NBA contributor with the Sacramento Kings — and now linked with NBA trade buzz — Ellis has become a compelling story of persistence, growth, and underdog success.
College Career: From JUCO to Alabama Stardom
Keon Tyrese Ellis began his collegiate basketball journey at Florida SouthWestern State College, where he became a standout player. In his sophomore year, he averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, emerging as one of the nation’s top junior college prospects.
His performance earned him a transfer to the University of Alabama, where he played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2020 to 2022. During his Division I career, Ellis posted average stats of 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, and earned recognition for his defense in the competitive SEC (Southeastern Conference).
Draft Journey: Undrafted but Undeterred
In the 2022 NBA Draft, Keon Ellis went undrafted, a result that surprised many given his athleticism and shooting ability. Despite that setback, Ellis didn’t give up on his NBA dream.
Shortly after the draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings on July 2, 2022, allowing him to split time between the NBA and the G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Contract: From Two-Way Deal to Multi-Year NBA Contract
Ellis initially signed a two-way contract with the Kings in 2022 and again in 2023. Then, on February 9, 2024, he earned a multi-year NBA contract with Sacramento — a major milestone for an undrafted player.
According to reports, his current deal is a 3-year contract worth about $5.1 million, a solid return for an undrafted talent proving his value in limited minutes.
Personal Life: Relationship & “Wife” Status
As of available public information, Keon Ellis is not married and has no publicly confirmed wife or spouse. Most trusted player profiles list his personal life as private, with no record of marriage or children as of late 2025.
Ellis does share glimpses of his lifestyle and work ethic on social media, but there is currently no credible source confirming a wife or marital status for him.
(Note: Some online gossip or unrelated information may sometimes circulate — but verified sources do not list any spouse.)
Trade Rumors: NBA Interest and Potential Moves
Entering the 2025–26 season, Ellis has become a talking point in NBA trade rumors. Multiple teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring his services, including the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat, due to his combination of three-point shooting and perimeter defense.
His affordable contract and Bird rights make him an attractive trade piece, with rumors suggesting Sacramento may be open to moving him for future assets later in the season.
Additionally, there are active trade reports indicating that Ellis has been involved in a three-team trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with Dennis Schröder. This move reflects his value as a role-player capable of contributing to playoff-oriented teams.
Stats: NBA and G League Performance Breakdown
NBA Career Averages
Across his NBA career with Sacramento (through the 2025–26 season):
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Points: ~6.3 PPG
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Rebounds: ~2.1 RPG
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Assists: ~1.2 APG
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Three-Point Shooting: ~41.5%
These numbers reflect his role as a rotational wing who brings spacing and defense off the bench.
Breakout Games & Highlights
Ellis has had standout performances, including:
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Career-high 26 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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A 33-point game featuring 9 three-pointers against the Atlanta Hawks in November 2024.
G League Production
In the G League with the Stockton Kings, Ellis posted 16.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.4 APG, showcasing his scoring and all-around game when given extended minutes.
Conclusion
Keon Ellis stands out as an inspiring example of a player who beat the odds. From going undrafted to earning a multi-year NBA contract and attracting trade interest from multiple NBA franchises, his journey highlights resilience and skill. While his personal life remains private with no confirmed wife or marriage, his on-court story continues gaining traction — making him a player worth watching both now and in the future.
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