On June 30, 2026, the Brooklyn Nets signed Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million contract. Most fans likely see this transaction as a solid signing for Brooklyn. This is because Keon Ellis is seen as a backup guard on Brooklyn’s roster. However, this signing is one of the best transactions of the 2026 offseason, and let me explain.

Jordi Fernandez has run a ball-movement offense in his first two seasons as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Over those seasons, Brooklyn has averaged 302.2 passes per game, sixth in the league.

In Jordi Fernandez’s offensive system, a front-court player typically orchestrates the team’s ball movement. Over the last two seasons, Brooklyn has placed a front-court player anywhere from the three-point line to the free-throw line. Once that player receives the ball, they hold it to see what actions their teammates run. The teammates usually run one of two actions:

1. A teammate will approach to start a dribble handoff possession. Once the teammate receives the ball, they will pay attention to what their defender is doing. If the defender goes under the dribble handoff, the teammate is more likely to shoot immediately. 

This is because the space between them and the defense gives them an open look at the basket. On the other hand, if the defender goes over the dribble handoff, the teammate will try to drive toward the basket. These actions have contributed to Brooklyn ranking in the top 2 in dribble handoff possessions over the first two seasons under Jordi Fernandez, averaging 9.2 per game.

2. The front court player with the ball will occasionally hold it for a few seconds to wait for a teammate to cut to the basket. Once the teammate starts the cut, the front-court player passes it to him, hoping for an easy bucket. This action has contributed to Brooklyn averaging 7.1 cuts per game over the last two seasons, 18th in the league.

While Brooklyn runs the action, the other players on the court stand behind the arc as floor spacers. As a result, the Brooklyn Nets have been in the top six in catch-and-shoot three-point attempts over the last two seasons, averaging 30.1 per game. 

Based on how Jordi Fernandez is running his offense in Brooklyn, Keon Ellis fits this team like a glove. He has a reputation as an above-average three-point shooter. 

Over his first four seasons, Keon Ellis shot 40% on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, on 2.3 per game. Those three-pointers account for 60% of his attempts, and he averages five per game. This has contributed to his career three-point percentage of 40.7% on 3.3 attempts.

Given these factors, I expect Keon Ellis to excel in a floor-spacer role off the bench for Brooklyn. He could shoot 38% from behind the arc on five attempts per game. If my prediction comes through, he should have his best offensive season in the NBA, which could also raise his trade value.

Before that, Keon Ellis’ best offensive season came in 2024-25 with the Sacramento Kings. In 24 minutes of action, he shot 43.3% from behind the arc on 4 attempts per game. He generated three points from his three-point shooting, which accounted for 61.4% of his scoring output. This is because he averaged 8.3 points per game, shooting 48.9% on 5.8 attempts.

If Keon Ellis has a strong first half, the Brooklyn Nets can put him on the trade market for more draft-pick compensation, especially if his role and shooting boost his value.