Kings are basically in a fire sale right now and Keon Ellis is one of the guys they clearly aren’t trying to keep long-term, so Milwaukee jumps in and gets him for Andre Jackson Jr. and a 2026 Utah 2nd.

For the Bucks, this is exactly the type of move they needed. When this team is healthy, they’re already one of the best offenses in the league and one of the best shooting teams in the NBA. What they’ve been missing is a young guard who can actually defend on the perimeter, chase shooters, and give them some juice athletically. Ellis fits that perfectly. Cheap contract, plays hard, hits open shots, and doesn’t need touches.

They also brought in Ben Simmons on a low-risk deal. He isn’t a bucket getter and nobody is expecting him to score, but he gives Milwaukee legit size, ballhandling, and another defender who can actually switch and keep guys in front of him. If he’s even 70% of his old self, he helps the Bucks’ spacing because he pushes the pace, finds shooters, and takes defensive pressure off Dame/Midds. It’s a smart gamble.

Milwaukee probably still needs one or two more small moves, but this is a step in the right direction and honestly the type of low-cost upgrades real contenders make.

For Sacramento, they get something instead of losing Ellis for nothing. AJJ has upside as an athlete and defender, and that 2026 Utah pick could be solid. They’re clearly reshaping the roster anyway, so taking a shot on a young wing isn’t bad at all.

Overall it’s a simple win for both sides. Bucks add a legit rotation defender + take a flyer on Simmons, and the Kings turn a guy they weren’t planning on keeping into a young piece and a good second-rounder.