The NBA trade rumor mill is always churning! Bleacher Report cooked up a fascinating proposal that would see the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks swap young guards. Would Keon Ellis be the missing piece for the Knicks, or is Miles McBride exactly what the Kings need? Dive into the breakdown!

The recent buzz in NBA circles centers on a captivating Bleacher Report trade proposal that could see two prominent Eastern and Western Conference teams, the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings, engage in a significant guard swap, igniting discussions among basketball analysts and fans alike.

This speculative deal, outlined by an expert, suggests the Knicks would send promising guard Miles McBride along with a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington to the Sacramento Kings. In return, the Knicks would acquire the Kings’ highly valued guard, Keon Ellis, in a move designed to address specific roster needs for both franchises.

From the New York Knicks’ perspective, the rationale behind pursuing Keon Ellis appears strategically sound. Having recently advanced to the conference finals, the Knicks’ front office has publicly committed to their core roster, believing it possesses championship potential. The acquisition of Ellis, in this scenario, is viewed as an opportunity to find a rotation-ready guard who could seamlessly complement star player Jalen Brunson, enhancing the team’s backcourt dynamics.

The argument for Ellis’s fit in New York stems from his more consistent three-point shooting, a crucial asset in modern NBA offenses, compared to McBride’s percentages. Additionally, Ellis’s larger frame and defensive versatility could offer a valuable presence alongside Brunson, providing essential support for the club’s best player without demanding high usage, aligning perfectly with a contending team’s needs.

Keon Ellis, at just 25 years old, made a significant impact with the Sacramento Kings last season, not only securing a consistent spot in the rotation but also earning the coaching staff’s trust as a high-level defender and floor spacer. His remarkable 43.3% shooting from beyond the arc last year, alongside his ability to guard multiple positions, positions him as the quintessential low-usage, high-impact player coveted by playoff-bound teams.

Conversely, Miles McBride, while bringing admirable toughness, defensive energy, and playmaking to the court, is still largely perceived as a developmental guard rather than an immediate difference-maker. His profile, while valuable in New York’s system, presents a less clear upgrade for a Sacramento Kings team that is actively prioritizing perimeter length, defensive consistency, and overall versatility.

The Sacramento Kings, who have been steadfast in their commitment to building a young, sustainable core around talents such as Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, and center Domantas Sabonis, appear less inclined to merely stockpile draft assets. While a 2026 first-round pick holds inherent value, it likely wouldn’t sway the Kings from parting with a player they highly value in their future plans, especially one providing immediate, proven impact.

Ultimately, Keon Ellis’s combination of elite defensive capabilities, impressive shooting efficiency, and youthful age renders him an exceptionally valuable asset for the Sacramento Kings. Trading him for Miles McBride, who doesn’t represent an overall on-court upgrade despite being only a few months younger, would be a counterproductive move for Sacramento. The Kings are highly unlikely to consider such a deal unless a significantly higher-caliber player is offered in return, underscoring Ellis’s indispensable role within their evolving roster.