It seems as if the DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors just won’t go away.
Cousins may be one of the best centers in the NBA, but talks of him being traded have been constant throughout the last two seasons. We’re only two weeks into this season, but the trade rumors have already begun to surround the Sacramento Kings big man. According to CBS Sports, the Kings are getting closer and closer towards a Cousins trade.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, who is also a minority owner of the Kings, said that his Kings might consider a change in direction when it comes to Cousins. That’s pretty telling. Much of the Cousins trade discussions initiated after he and former Head Coach George Karl didn’t get along, but with Karl no longer coaching, it appears as if he’s not the problem.
The Kings are just 4-7 this season and it’s also worth noting that they have never had a winning record with Cousins on their roster. The Kings’ best season with Cousins came last season when they went just 33-49. There’s also another factor to consider- his contract. Next year is the final year of Cousins’ contract, and if the Kings don’t trade him now, they could risk not getting back any value for him if he leaves via free agency.
Can Cousins help a team win this year or next year? Absolutely. He may only have two years left on his contract, but he can more than help a team with defensive issues get over the hump. Sometimes it’s just time for a change, and a Kings-Cousins duo doesn’t appear to be a marriage made in heaven.
Whether or not Cousins gets dealt this year remains to be seen. There is still plenty of time remaining until the annual trade deadline, so owners, coaches and general managers have time to make up their minds.
The 2016-17 NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. ET.
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