The Sacramento Kings were reportedly willing to trade any player, including star center DeMarcus Cousins, prior to the NBA deadline. With Cousins apparently available to be had, the George Karl-led Kings may end up receiving an offer too good to pass up for the All-Star once the season ends.
Cousins may not be the cornerstone of the Kings franchise after all. The 24-year-old could have been had for the right offer, according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck.
"Even DeMarcus Cousins, their franchise center, is not untouchable, according to a source with insight into Karl's thinking," Beck wrote Thursday. "'At the trade deadline, everyone was available,' the person said. Including Cousins? 'Every single person (on the Kings roster) was available.' Although Karl does not hold a front office title, 'he definitely has control' of future personnel decisions, the source said."
Three things make trading Cousins after the season not that far-fetched. First, he and his representatives reportedly were against the hiring of Karl. Depending on which reports you read, it ranged from Cousins flat-out not wanting to play for Karl, who has a history of clashing with star players, to Cousins just being concerned in general about the flurry of moves the front office has made over the last year.
Second, Cousins doesn't necessarily fit Karl's up-tempo style of play. As Sam Smith of Bulls.com and Beck both pointed out, Karl likes players who move the ball and play fast. The fact Karl traditionally hasn't utilized a low-post center in his offense means Cousins is at least somewhat expendable.
Third, the Kings want to win now. Dealing Cousins would net them a number of assets, either in the form of future draft picks or talented players who better fit into Karl's offense.
No reports have indicated Sacramento is actually shopping Cousins. But, if Beck's source is accurate, the Kings may receive a few offers worth considering in the weeks leading up to the NBA draft. Cousins's contract - $50.8 million over the next three seasons - would almost mandate a third team's involvement in any potential deal.
One team linked to Cousins this season was the Boston Celtics, who at least have the draft picks to grab Sacramento's attention.
