NBA Rumors: Kings, Keon Ellis, Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Timberwolves

Kings

Keegan Murray isn’t going anywhere. His poison pill provision makes that clear, and league execs seem to have pivoted to another Kings name entirely.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the most-coveted player on Sacramento’s roster right now might actually be Keon Ellis.

That has surprised some people around the league. Ellis started 28 games last season, gave the Kings real perimeter pop and efficiency, and posted an 8.3/2.7/1.5 line on .489/.433/.849 shooting.

Sacramento was a plus-3.0 with him on the floor. This fall, though, he’s at just 17.4 minutes a night.

The Pacers are one of several teams to show interest, Scotto says, and they’ve pursued Ellis before.

He’s in the final year of his deal and becomes extension-eligible in February. If nothing gets done, he’ll hit unrestricted free agency in 2026.

Meanwhile, the trade market hasn’t exactly heated up on the Kings’ veterans. There’s been a little Clippers buzz around DeMar DeRozan, but chatter on Zach LaVine and DeRozan has been quiet.

Domantas Sabonis is the wildcard, though he’s currently out with a knee issue and his production dipped before the injury.

Scotto notes Sabonis has been frustrated by the slide in win totals since the Kings’ playoff push in 2022–23 and hasn’t always loved his usage under coach Doug Christie.

Grizzlies

Teams continue to check in on Ja Morant, hoping for a buy-low window after his recent confrontation with coach Tuomas Iisalo.

Memphis keeps shutting it down.

As Scotto notes, the Grizzlies still believe they can salvage this season and aren’t ready to start over, especially with Morant under contract long-term.

They also know his value should bounce back if he settles in and stays healthy.

Timberwolves

Minnesota was one of the teams to at least poke around on Morant, per Scotto.

The Wolves are looking for ways to upgrade the point guard spot and give their offense a steadier late-game presence. But they’re only exploring deals that keep their core untouched.

Anthony Edwards is untouchable, and Jaden McDaniels is in that same neighborhood. Their goal is to strengthen the edges while keeping the foundation intact.