Not many NBA players go from undrafted prospect to legitimate rotation starter with a multi-year contract — but Keon Ellis has done exactly that.
Signed by the Sacramento Kings after going undrafted in 2022, Ellis quickly became one of the league’s most respected perimeter defenders, earning a roster spot and then a guaranteed deal through sheer effort and elite on-ball defense.
As of 2026, Keon Ellis’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million, a figure built primarily through his NBA contracts and steadily growing profile in the league.
This article covers every verifiable detail about his salary, contract, career earnings, and financial outlook.
Keon Ellis’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keon Ellis |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 25 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height / Weight | 6’5″ / 190 lbs |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
| Current NBA Team | Sacramento Kings |
| NBA Draft | Undrafted, 2022 |
| Years Active | 2022 – Present |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$4 million |
| Current Annual Salary | ~$2.1 million (estimated, 2025–26) |
| @keonellis_ |
Early Life & Basketball Journey
Keon Ellis was born on November 18, 2000, and grew up developing his game with a strong focus on defense and athleticism.
He attended Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama, where he earned a reputation as a versatile two-way player who could guard multiple positions. His length, instincts, and intensity on defense made him a standout prospect at the high school level.
Ellis went on to play college basketball at the University of Alabama, where he spent three seasons sharpening his skillset.
He was never a featured offensive weapon in college, but his ability to disrupt opposing guards, generate steals, and play physically sound perimeter defense made him a consistent contributor for the Crimson Tide.
His basketball IQ and effort level stood out to scouts throughout his college career.
Despite his qualities, Ellis was not selected in the 2022 NBA Draft. Going undrafted is a significant hurdle for any young player, but Ellis used that as motivation rather than discouragement.
The Sacramento Kings signed him to an Exhibit 10 deal shortly after the draft, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot during the preseason.
Ellis made the most of every opportunity in training camp. His defensive energy and communication on the floor caught the attention of the Kings’ coaching staff, ultimately earning him a two-way contract — and later, a standard NBA deal.
His journey from undrafted sleeper to guaranteed NBA player reflects the kind of resilience that defines a long career in professional basketball.
NBA Career
Keon Ellis officially entered the NBA orbit with the Sacramento Kings in 2022, beginning on a two-way contract that allowed him to move between the NBA roster and the Kings’ G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
He quickly became a fan favorite in Sacramento for his hustle, energy, and willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments.
According to NBA.com’s official player profile, Ellis has been used primarily as a perimeter stopper, tasked with slowing down opposing wings and guards.
His ability to fight through screens, stay attached to quick players, and use his 6’5″ wingspan effectively has made him a valued piece of Sacramento’s defensive rotation.
As tracked on Basketball Reference, Ellis has steadily improved his offensive output while maintaining the defensive edge that got him into the league.
He’s developed a more reliable mid-range game and improved his three-point shooting, making him a more complete player heading into the 2025–26 season.
Ellis has not yet earned All-Star recognition or an NBA championship ring, but at just 25 years old, his trajectory remains strong.
The Kings have continued to invest in him, signing him to an updated deal that reflects his growing importance to the franchise. His value as a two-way wing in today’s NBA keeps his long-term prospects very positive.
For detailed game logs and historical stats, ESPN’s player hub for Keon Ellis provides regularly updated performance data throughout each season.
Keon Ellis’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Keon Ellis has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million.
His wealth comes primarily from NBA salaries accumulated since 2022, when he transitioned from undrafted free agent to guaranteed contract player.
NBA Contract
Ellis initially signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings in 2022, which carries a lower salary than a standard NBA deal.
After proving himself on the court, he graduated to a standard contract — a significant milestone for any undrafted player.
Contract details for players at Ellis’s level are tracked by Spotrac’s NBA contract database, which remains one of the most reliable sources for verified salary and contract information.
His current deal places him in the lower tier of NBA salaries, which is completely expected for a player entering just his fourth professional season.
However, if he continues to develop offensively and maintain his defensive excellence, a more lucrative extension could come before or during the 2026–27 season.
Salary
Ellis earned the two-way contract rate during his first year, which is substantially below the NBA minimum for standard roster players.
After converting to a standard deal, his salary entered the range of approximately $1.7 million to $2.1 million annually, consistent with what players at his experience level and role typically earn.
His salary ranking within the Kings’ roster sits in the lower-to-mid range, which is normal for a developing role player.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Team | Salary (Estimated) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | Sacramento Kings | ~$500,000 | Two-way contract |
| 2023–24 | Sacramento Kings | ~$1.7 million | Standard NBA contract |
| 2024–25 | Sacramento Kings | ~$1.9 million | Continued roster role |
| 2025–26 | Sacramento Kings | ~$2.1 million | Estimated current season |
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | Sacramento Kings | 47 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 44.1% | 38.2% |
| 2023–24 | Sacramento Kings | 58 | 6.8 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 45.3% | 37.5% |
| 2024–25 | Sacramento Kings | 62 | 8.1 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 46.2% | 38.9% |
FAQs
What is Keon Ellis’s net worth?
Keon Ellis’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million, built primarily through his NBA contracts with the Sacramento Kings since going undrafted in 2022.
How much does Keon Ellis earn per year in the NBA?
Ellis earns an estimated $2.1 million annually during the 2025–26 season. His salary has grown steadily after converting from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract.
Did Keon Ellis get drafted into the NBA?
No, Keon Ellis went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Sacramento Kings signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he earned his roster spot through exceptional defensive play.
Does Keon Ellis have any endorsement deals?
No major endorsement deals with brands like Nike or Adidas have been publicly confirmed for Ellis as of 2026. His endorsement portfolio is expected to grow as his NBA profile rises.
What college did Keon Ellis attend?
Ellis played college basketball at the University of Alabama, where he built a reputation as an elite perimeter defender before entering the 2022 NBA Draft process.
