Rockets Consider Kings’ Keon Ellis as a Strategic Trade Target
The Houston Rockets are exploring potential options to fill the void left by Fred VanVleet, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise in recent years. As discussions heat up, Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis has emerged as a noteworthy candidate, despite some skepticism about whether he can truly replace VanVleet’s impact.
VanVleet’s Legacy in Houston
For the Rockets, VanVleet has been much more than just a player; he has been the heart and soul of the team. Coach Ime Udoka views him as an essential extension of his coaching philosophy on the court. Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ All-Star center, has spoken extensively about VanVleet’s influence on his own development and the overall team culture.
VanVleet’s performance in the playoffs solidified his reputation as a critical piece of the Rockets’ ambitions. He shot an impressive 43.5 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 18.7 points per game, boasting a true shooting percentage of 63.2 and an effective field goal percentage of 57.5. In the pivotal Games 4-6, he elevated his game even further, averaging 26.7 points and hitting 66.7 percent of his three-point attempts. Replacing such a dynamic player will be no small feat for Houston.
Navigating Roster and Salary Cap Constraints
The Rockets find themselves in a challenging situation. With only $1.2 million available to offer in free agency—far below the veteran minimum—and no open roster spots, the team must look to the trade market to find a suitable replacement for VanVleet. However, this avenue is complicated, as most of Houston’s roster cannot be traded until December 15. The only real exception appears to be Tari Eason.
Although Reed Sheppard is trade-eligible, the Rockets are counting on him to play a significant role moving forward, especially given their current lack of guard depth.
A Potential Trade Scenario
Amidst these challenges, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus proposed a trade that could bring Keon Ellis to Houston. The deal would involve sending Eason to Sacramento in exchange for Ellis and a 2026 second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets. This trade could strategically position the Rockets within their salary cap, leaving them $4.6 million under their first-apron hard cap and freeing up a roster spot for another veteran or even a training camp invitee like Cam Matthews.
Pincus highlighted Ellis’s defensive prowess as a key advantage. While he may not have the high assist rate characteristic of a traditional point guard, Ellis’s ability to defend at the point of attack and space the floor with his shooting makes him an intriguing option for the Rockets. He posted a 43.3 percent three-point shooting percentage last season and has a career average of 42.9 percent.
Evaluating the Fit
Though Ellis presents a different skill set than VanVleet, his two-way capabilities could complement the playmaking skills already present in the Rockets’ lineup, particularly with players like Durant, Sengun, and Thompson. Importantly, Ellis will be eligible for an extension in February, and if he performs well in Houston, he might command a salary within the non-taxpayer mid-level exception range, projected to be around $15.1 million next year.
In summary, while the potential acquisition of Keon Ellis could help the Rockets navigate their current roster challenges, it remains to be seen if he can fill the considerable shoes left by VanVleet. The trade discussions are just the latest twist in Houston’s ongoing quest to reshape its team as it aims for title contention.
