The Boston Celtics reportedly are exploring the possibility of trading for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. Celtics president Danny Ainge believes it's worth a try given the Kings' recent hiring of coach George Karl, according to Sam Smith of Bulls.com.
At least some in the NBA believe the personalities of Cousins and Karl, whom the Kings hired last week, won't be able to mesh. Given the reports that Cousins and his representation were against the hiring of Karl, along with the fact Karl's style of offense is more about speed, Ainge seems to believe there might be a chance - however small - of prying Cousins away from Sacramento in a trade.
"(One) Celtics' big man rumor floating around during All-Star weekend has been their pursuit of All-Star DeMarcus Cousins," Smith wrote Monday. "There is no indication he's available from the team, but the speculation has been he and George Karl won't work together and Karl wants to play faster without a low post center. So Boston is rumored to give it a try. Hey, who thought they would get Kevin Garnett? The Kings have been offering Jason Thompson around for most of the last two seasons and rarely used rookie Nik Stauskas. But that could change with Karl."
If Sacramento were to consider trading Cousins, it likely wouldn't be until this offseason at the earliest. Working in Boston's favor is their plethora of future first-round draft picks, which would help the Kings rebuild quickly if their "win-now" plan doesn't pan out.
As for Thursday's deadline, Boston appears to be done. Ainge will listen to offers, but he's unlikely to find homes for players such as Brandon Bass and Tayshaun Prince, both of whom Boston seems likely to buy out if they're still on the roster after Thursday.
