DeMar DeRozan, Keon Ellis disagree with trade rumors as Sacramento buys package deal

ahead of schedule Sacramento Kings trade rumors are heating upwith names like Keon Ellis, and veteran DeMar DeRozan they are mentioned as two players potentially on the move. Ellis and DeRozan are familiar with the rumors surrounding them and the team, as various reports suggest the Kings are combing through offers.

For DeRozan, he’s ready for whatever the future holds, as he told the Kings trade rumoursfor HoopsHipe Michael Scotto.

“It is what it is,” DeRozan said, “For me, I’ve been in the league and you hear everything. At the end of the day, you’ve got to be a professional and still go out there and compete and play the game. You can’t get caught up in all that other stuff. Whatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, we still have an obligation to do the job.”

As for Ellis, he’s looking forward to a team that sees him as part of its future, rather than sticking with one that only sees him as an asset.

“It’s always great to be wanted because that’s not always the case,” Ellis said when asked by HoopsHipe how he feels about seeing his name linked to so many teams interested in him. “It’s definitely good that other teams see the value in you.”

DeMar DeRozan is averaging 19.1 points on 50.5% shooting, 3.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals for the Kings this season.

14 teams called the Kings for one player

When the report reveals that 14 teams they called the kings about tradea deadline move is inevitable. The phone keeps ringing with teams calling about Kings guard Keon Ellis.

Ellis is considered a player most likely to be traded before Feb. 5, according to NBA insider Mark Stein.

“An estimated 14 teams have registered varying degrees of trade interest in Sacramento’s Keon Ellis,” Stein wrote. “The most likely player to be traded between now and Feb. 5, Sacramento’s Keon Ellis, is a strong candidate. League sources say multiple teams are in the hunt for Ellis, and the Kings are believed to be seeking a first-round pick given widespread interest. One source close to the process essentially described Ellis’ trade as ine.”

At this point, it’s just a question of which offer for Ellis is the best fit for the Kings for their future. Ellis is averaging 5.4 points and 1.1 steals per game for the Kings this season.