Ellis Joins Nets
Brooklyn Nets Reshape Roster with Wagner, Ellis Signings; Claxton Traded for Randle
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Key Points
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In Cleveland after the De'Andre Hunter trade, Keon Ellis appeared in 29 games, averaging 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 24.8 minutes per game, with his playoff role diminishing to about 7.4 minutes per game.
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Ellis was acquired by Cleveland in the three-team De'Andre Hunter trade from Sacramento last February, alongside Dennis Schroder.
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For the 2025-26 season, Ellis appeared in 72 regular-season games (11 starts) with averages of 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals on 44.0% shooting and 36.3% from three in 20.5 minutes per game.
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The Brooklyn contract is fully guaranteed for two years at $18 million and includes a mutual option that either side can opt into for a potential extension next summer.
The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to sign guard Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million fully guaranteed contract, according to ESPN. The deal includes a mutual option that gives either side flexibility heading into the 2027-28 season.
Ellis, 26, joins Brooklyn as an unrestricted free agent after spending the second half of last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The signing reunites him with Nets head coach Jordi Fernández, who oversaw Ellis' development in Sacramento, according to Sports Illustrated.
Ellis Brings Defense and Depth to Brooklyn's Rebuild
Ellis fills a specific need for Brooklyn: on-ball defense against elite Eastern Conference guards. He is expected to slot into a low-usage bench role, according to NBA.com. His presence lets forwards like Julius Randle focus on scoring while Ellis guards opponents' top perimeter threats.
Over 72 regular-season games in 2025-26, Ellis averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 44.0% from the field and 36.3% from three in 20.5 minutes per game. His Cleveland stint was even stronger — 8.3 points and 1.3 steals per game on 49.1% shooting over 29 games, per Sports Illustrated.
How Ellis Landed in Brooklyn After the Hunter Trade
Ellis arrived in Cleveland on January 31, 2026, as part of a three-team blockbuster. The Cavaliers sent forward De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento. In return, Cleveland got Ellis and veteran guard Dennis Schröder. The Bulls facilitated the deal by taking on Dario Šarić and draft compensation, per TSN.
The Hunter deal ultimately disappointed Cleveland. Ellis became an "odd man out" in the Cavs' playoff rotation. His minutes dropped to just 7.4 per game in the postseason. His net rating was minus-15.9 across 12 playoff appearances. Cleveland was 13.7 points per 100 possessions better with Ellis on the bench, according to Yahoo Sports.
The $18 Million Deal: Value or Overpay?
The contract averages $9 million per year. Some analysts call it a fair price for a defensive specialist. TSN notes Brooklyn gets a fully guaranteed deal with the safety valve of a mutual option — meaning neither side is locked in past year two without agreement.
Critics point to Ellis' offensive limits. His three-point percentage slipped from prior seasons to 36.3% last year. Some outlets compare the deal unfavorably to Jordan Goodwin's 3-year, $19 million contract with Phoenix. Still, Nets Wire notes that quality perimeter defenders routinely command $20 million or more under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Fernández Reunion Drives Brooklyn's Confidence in Ellis
Coach Jordi Fernández is a key reason Brooklyn moved quickly on Ellis. Fernández was Sacramento's top assistant when Ellis developed from an undrafted two-way player into a rotation piece. Ellis signed his first standard NBA contract with the Kings in 2024 after proving himself in the G-League, per TSN.
Sports Illustrated reports that Fernández "identified Ellis as an ideal fit" for Brooklyn's defensive system. The Nets declined the team option on perimeter defender Ziaire Williams before this signing. At $9 million per year on a short deal, Ellis also gives Brooklyn a tradeable contract as the team continues building toward a potential star pursuit in 2027 or beyond, according to Yahoo Sports.
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