Keon Ellis welcomed by Kings fans in quick return after trade

Former Kings guard Keon Ellis reacted to his recent trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers and his return to Sacramento after Saturday night's game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Keon Ellis, a former guard for the Sacramento Kings, was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he quickly returned to Sacramento and was welcomed by Kings fans after Saturday night's game.

Why it matters

Trades are common in the NBA, but Ellis' quick return to Sacramento after being traded highlights the connection between players and their former teams and fan bases. This story provides insight into the emotional aspects of professional sports and how players navigate changes in their careers.

The details

After being traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Keon Ellis returned to Sacramento to play against his former team on Saturday night. Despite the trade, Ellis was warmly welcomed by Kings fans, who showed their appreciation for his time with the team.

  • Keon Ellis was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavaliers in early February 2026.
  • Ellis returned to Sacramento to play against the Kings on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Keon Ellis

A former guard for the Sacramento Kings who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sacramento Kings

The NBA team that Keon Ellis previously played for before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA team that Keon Ellis was traded to from the Sacramento Kings.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to be back and see the fans. They've always been so supportive of me.”

— Keon Ellis (nbcsportsbayarea.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the strong connection between players and their former teams, even in the fast-paced world of professional sports. Despite being traded, Keon Ellis was warmly welcomed back by Sacramento Kings fans, showcasing the enduring bonds that can form between athletes and the communities they represent.