The Cleveland Cavaliers just destroyed the Toronto Raptors in the second half of Game 7 to advance to round two of the NBA Playoffs. For many Pelicans fans, the biggest takeaway from this series is that Brandon Ingram was a non-factor in round one and missed the final two games. However, fans should be focused on Keon Ellis and what his future with the Cavs looks like after three straight DNPs.
The former Sacramento Kings wing is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and could be a perfect target for Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver. Outside of Herb Jones, the Pelicans lack a true point-of-attack defender and a defensive disruptor. With Ellis struggling to find playing time in Cleveland, his once-high stock as one of the league's young rising defenders has plummeted.
This gives the Pelicans a great opportunity to buy low on a player who not only fits their timeline but would also be a real contributor to this team in 2026-27.
Keon Ellis presents a perfect buy-low opportunity for the Pelicans
The Cavaliers acquired Ellis, along with Dennis Schroder, at the trade deadline in a move many expected to help put Cleveland over the top. From his first day with the Cavs, Ellis brought the same great energy and effort defensively that earned him his stripes with the Kings, but that impact didn't last. As the season went on, Ellis slowly fell out of the rotation and appeared to be someone Kenny Atkinson lacked confidence in.
This season, he posted averages of 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.8 stocks (steals + blocks) per game, while also shooting 36.3 percent from three.
Those counting stats may not jump off the page, but it's beyond the box score where Ellis’ impact is truly felt. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he pairs elite length with a scrappy, tenacious, disruptive defensive mentality that creates turnovers and makes high-profile scorers uncomfortable. On top of that, he never stops talking. Ellis was the backbone of the Kings' defense during his time there, communicating switches, telling guys when to stay home or help, and just being a leader on that end of the court.
Given that Ellis has built a reputation as a high-level defender, him falling out of the Cavs' playoff rotation won't leave him jobless this summer. There will be plenty of teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Raptors, etc. that should register interest in Ellis this offseason.
But what makes New Orleans different is that the Pelicans desperately need him, and there's real room to become a long-term piece. New Orleans had a bottom-seven defensive rating this season, as outside of Jones, no one could really get into a stance and clamp up consistently. If Dumars and Weaver were to bring in Ellis, the franchise's next head coach would have no choice but to play the former Alabama wing.
Although Ellis' focus will remain on doing what he can if he plays to help Cleveland keep their playoff run alive, seeing him get three straight DNPs to close a series can't be overlooked. With free agency looming and New Orleans in search of some help defensively, Ellis could be a sneaky pickup this summer.
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