The Houston Rockets seem set on starting the 2025-26 season with their current roster. After spending the offseason making big upgrades, especially in the frontcourt, adding Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, the Rockets have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league.
Some Rockets fans, however, are still hoping for another addition in the backcourt. Houston is stacked in the frontcourt, but is relatively shallow in both guard positions. That is largely because of the faith the organization has in Reed Sheppard as he enters Year 2, but it wouldn't hurt the Rockets to add another quality rotation player there.
Enter Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings. The 25-year-old combo guard fits into what Houston is trying to do, providing size and athleticism to go with defensive versatility. In a potential trade scenario, the Rockets could land Ellis by giving up Jae'Sean Tate and an unprotected future first-round pick.
This trade can not be executed until October due to the fact that Tate just signed a new deal with the Rockets this summer. However, it can still go through before the start of the season, making it an attractive option for the Rockets.
Ellis is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract that pays him $2.3 million for the 2025-26 season. The former undrafted guard has yet to sign a contract extension with the Kings, and considering how crowded Sacramento's backcourt is with Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder, Devin Carter, and Zach LaVine, he could find himself squeezed on the depth chart. Instead of giving a lucrative, long-term contract to their fourth guard in the rotation, the Kings would be wise to get an unprotected first-round pick.
For the Rockets, Ellis doesn't solve their shot creation issue, but adds a three-and-D guard who has hit 42.9% of his threes in his NBA career. He is a defensive playmaker who can guard multiple positions, a profile Ime Udoka absolutely loves. Add in the floor spacing element on the offensive end, the Rockets would be foolish not to at least try to poach him from the Kings.