Keon Ellis Bio
Keon Tyrese Ellis (born January 8, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and listed at 175 lb (79 kg), he plays the shooting guard position and is widely recognized for his defensive intensity and three-point shooting. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Ellis built his career through two-way contracts and developed into a reliable rotation player with the Sacramento Kings before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2026.
Ellis played college basketball for the Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers and the Alabama Crimson Tide, earning recognition at both the junior college and NCAA Division I levels. His journey from Eustis, Florida, to the NBA reflects steady development, defensive discipline, and a willingness to refine his offensive game while competing against top talent.
Early Life and Background
Keon Tyrese Ellis was born on January 8, 2000, in Eustis, Florida, where he grew up and first developed his love for basketball. He attended Eustis High School in his hometown before transferring to Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Florida, for his junior season. The move allowed him to compete at a higher level and showcase his two-way abilities on a larger stage.
At Leesburg, Ellis emerged as a dominant frontcourt and wing presence, leading the team to back-to-back Class 6A state titles. As a senior, he averaged 12.7 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists per game, helping Leesburg post a 29–1 record. Despite his success, Ellis signed to play college basketball for Gardner–Webb before deciding to join Florida SouthWestern, a junior college program, for academic reasons. He also has an older brother, Antwon Clayton, who played college basketball at Jacksonville before turning professional.
Path to Basketball
Ellis began his collegiate career at Florida SouthWestern, where he quickly adjusted to the pace and physicality of junior college basketball. As a freshman, he averaged 8.3 points and three rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. On January 4, 2020, he erupted for a school-record 41 points in a 92–77 win against St. Petersburg College, signaling his offensive potential.
During his sophomore season, Ellis elevated his game, averaging 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He set Florida SouthWestern single-season records in points and steals, earning Second-Team NJCAA Division I All-American and Suncoast Player of the Year recognition. Seeking a stronger platform, Ellis transferred to the University of Alabama for his junior season, choosing the Crimson Tide over Iowa State, Kansas State, and Western Kentucky. He was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team as a senior, cementing his reputation as one of the conference’s top perimeter defenders.
Keon Ellis Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Ellis signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings on July 2, 2022. He joined the Kings’ Summer League squad and immediately impressed, appearing in seven games and averaging 11.4 points on 44.1% shooting from the field and 46.9% from three-point range, along with 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. His two-way deal also allowed him to gain experience with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate.
During his rookie NBA campaign, Ellis made 16 appearances for Sacramento, averaging 1.5 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. While his role was limited, he continued to develop his perimeter defense and shooting mechanics, laying the foundation for a larger opportunity the following season.
Sacramento Kings Breakthrough (2023–2025)
On July 2, 2023, Ellis signed another two-way contract with Sacramento, and on February 9, 2024, he signed a multi-year contract with the Kings, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his development. He made 57 appearances (including 21 starts) during the 2023–24 NBA season, averaging 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. On April 9, 2024, he scored a career-high 26 points in a loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his offensive ceiling.
Ellis delivered one of his most memorable performances on April 17, 2024, helping the Kings to a play-in tournament victory over the Golden State Warriors with 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. On November 18, 2024, he erupted for a new career-high 33 points with nine three-pointers in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, further establishing his three-point shooting as a defining part of his offensive identity. He made 80 appearances (including 28 starts) for Sacramento in the 2024–25 season, recording averages of 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers Era (2026–Present)
On February 1, 2026, Ellis was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade that also included the Chicago Bulls. The move marked a new chapter in his career, giving him an opportunity to contribute to a contending Eastern Conference roster. In his initial stretch with Cleveland, he continued to provide perimeter defense and outside shooting, the same traits that defined his time in Sacramento.
During the 2025–26 season split between the two teams, Ellis played 43 games (including five starts), averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. His transition to Cleveland offered a fresh environment and the chance to expand his role within a different system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Keon Tyrese Ellis is best known for his defensive versatility, perimeter instincts, and three-point shooting. His length, lateral quickness, and anticipation make him a disruptive presence in passing lanes, while his career 46.9% Summer League shooting from deep foreshadowed his long-range development. Offensively, he thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat and a connector on the wing, complementing playmakers with his spacing and off-ball movement.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ellis’ signature moments include his school-record 41-point game at Florida SouthWestern, his 33-point, nine-three-pointer outburst against Atlanta, and his all-around play-in tournament performance against the Golden State Warriors. His promotion from a two-way deal to a multi-year contract with Sacramento in 2024 underscored his growth from undrafted prospect to dependable NBA rotation player.
Keon Ellis Career Wins
Keon Tyrese Ellis has accumulated a series of team and individual accomplishments across the junior college, NCAA, and NBA levels. His résumé includes back-to-back high school state titles, junior college All-American honors, SEC All-Defensive recognition, and key contributions to a Sacramento Kings play-in victory.
NBA Highlights
Ellis has steadily built his NBA resume since debuting in 2022, peaking with a career-high 33-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks on November 18, 2024. His consistent three-point shooting and defensive impact have positioned him as a reliable role player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he has not yet recorded a championship, his trade to a contending roster in Cleveland marks a meaningful step forward in his professional trajectory.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Ellis led Leesburg to consecutive Class 6A state championships and posted a 29–1 senior-season record. At Florida SouthWestern, he became the program’s single-season record holder in both points and steals, while at Alabama he earned SEC All-Defensive Team honors as a senior.
Keon Ellis Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Ellis grew up in Eustis, Florida, in a family with deep basketball roots. His older brother, Antwon Clayton, played college basketball at Jacksonville University before pursuing a professional career, helping inspire Keon’s own path in the sport.
Personal Life
Keon Tyrese Ellis is recognized publicly for his basketball career, and limited verified details are available about his personal life beyond family and professional accomplishments. He remains connected to his Florida roots while continuing his NBA journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Keon Tyrese Ellis established himself as a consistent contributor for the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 80 games including 28 starts and averaging 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His three-point shooting and perimeter defense were central to the Kings’ rotation, and he provided timely scoring outbursts, including his 33-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks in November 2024.
As the 2025–26 season progressed, Ellis split time between Sacramento and the Stockton Kings before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 1, 2026. He played 43 games (including five starts) split across both teams, averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. The midseason move to a contending Eastern Conference squad offered a fresh opportunity to expand his role and contribute to a playoff push.
Looking ahead, Ellis’ outlook with the Cleveland Cavaliers centers on continuing to deliver three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and energy as a rotation wing. His track record of steady improvement since going undrafted in 2022 positions him well for an expanded role within Cleveland’s system as the team pursues postseason success.
