Brooklyn Nets announced on Tuesday that they have signed free‑agent guard Keon Ellis to a two‑year, $18 million guaranteed contract, adding a proven 3‑and‑D weapon to a crowded backcourt.
Who is Keon Ellis?
Ellis, 26, entered the NBA as an undrafted Alabama product and spent his first four seasons with the Sacramento Kings before a trade sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2025. In 29 games for Cleveland he averaged 8.3 points on 49.1% shooting, while posting a 40%+ three‑point rate in three of his four seasons. His defensive résumé includes guarding multiple perimeter positions and generating steals that often lead to fast‑break points.
Why the Nets pursued him now?
Head coach Jordi Fernandez worked as an associate coach in Sacramento while Ellis was developing, giving them a built‑in rapport. The Nets have been loading young guards—Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, and Mikel Brown Jr.—but needed a veteran who can defend without the ball and knock down open threes. Ellis provides exactly that, offering a 6‑foot‑5 frame, a reputation for creating turnovers, and a reliable three‑point shot.
How does this fit into Brooklyn’s current situation?
The Nets entered the 2026‑27 offseason after a 136‑101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026, and they have now dropped five straight games (0W‑0D‑5L). Adding Ellis gives coach Fernandez a flexible piece for the rotation, allowing veterans like Terance Mann and emerging players such as Malachi Smith to focus on scoring while Ellis handles the perimeter.
What are the contract details?
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal includes a full mutual option after the first year, meaning either side can trigger the option and keep the full $18 million guaranteed. This structure protects the Nets if the team’s rebuild stalls, while giving Ellis security if he thrives in Brooklyn’s system.
What’s next for the Nets?
Ellis will join training camp in late September, expected to compete for minutes at the 2‑guard spot. His presence should push the younger guards to improve defensively, and his three‑point shooting could help spread the floor for stars like Cam Thomas. As the Nets continue to reshape their roster, Ellis represents a tangible upgrade on the defensive end and a potential catalyst for a turnaround after a rough finish to the season.