Sacramento Kings all-star center DeMarcus Cousins finds himself again in the center of another trade rumor, according to sports site TodaysFastBreak.com. The first time was early in 2011-2012. This summer was also abuzz with Cousins trade speculations.
Fueling talks of a Cousins trade is the player's dysfunctional and unproductive relationship with Kings head coach, George Karl. The tension between the two came to a head when the Kings got blown by the San Antonio Spurs last Monday. Cousins blasted a profanity-filled tirade against his coach, who then demanded that Cousins be suspended for two games for the outburst. Kings general manager Vlade Divac, however, doesn't want to take Karl's recommendation.
Looking at the big picture, the Kings has performed awfully during the whole six seasons Cousins spent as a member of the franchise, and it looks like they are not getting any better. According to ESPN, people privy to the Kings' top management are convinced that the ball club is better off parting ways with the volatile big man.
On the other side of the potential trading table, the Boston Celtics is reportedly looking on acquiring available big names if the opportunities arise. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge reiterated that they want to rebuild Boston Celtics as a powerhouse, and with four first-round picks in the 2016 NBA draft and a slew of young, talented players, they have a huge leverage in landing established talents once they initiate a trade.
Metro US reports that with such trading power, the Celtics can easily land the All Star center. Observers believe that to get Cousins, the Celtics will likely trade Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Jared Sullinger, and Terry Rozier. The Kings may also want a future draft pick from the Celtics.
At age 25, Cousins has already made himself a go-to big man. Averaging 24.1 points and 12.7 rebounds last season, he is a perfect fit for the Celtics, who is struggling both in points and rebounds.
That said, Ainge is hesistant to let go of a pick as well as Marcus Smart, unless the Kings propose a better arrangement. In this setup, the Celtics clearly have the upper hand if and when they decide to go to the table for a Cousins trade.
"If there are big moves that we're not in love with, then we hold off and we wait," Ainge said.