Keon Ellis has been in the NBA for a cup of coffee, but his skill and talent are undeniable. While there are some gaps in his game, much of that can be attributed to youth and inexperience. Those aspects will continue to develop and likely even out, improving as he matures.
After going undrafted in 2022, Ellis spent two seasons with the Stockton Kings in the G League. From there, he made his way up to the Sacramento Kings' roster for the 2024-2025 season. That being said, he struggled to consistently shine under the bigs lights of the NBA.
The main reason for that is the structure of the Kings' roster. It is loaded with shoot-first guards, which effectively describes much of what Ellis brings to the table. This roster structure has proved problematic for the Kings over the past several seasons, and for a young gun like Ellis.
Keon's contract year
This season is the final year of Keon's three-year contract with the Kings. It was a team option that Sacramento chose to exercise, keeping him on the roster for the 2025-2026 season. That means he's on the team going into training camp, meaning he will be a free agent in the upcoming offseason.
Keon Ellis says he isn’t feeling any pressure heading into a contract year, and that things are currently quiet regarding a contract extension.
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) September 29, 2025
“I haven’t really heard too much of anything, but I’m not worried about it.”
So far, there has been no real conversation between Ellis and the Kings about an extension. With 10 free agents coming up in the summer of 2026, Sacramento has a lot of decisions to make. Ellis is a big one because many people see him as part of the young core that the franchise could build on.
When asked about it at media day, Ellis downplayed the lack of conversation between him and the Kings' front office. In truth, it is too early to be worried about a contract extension, but it has to be on the respective minds of both sides.