The Sacramento Kings are reportedly willing to test the waters on a DeMarcus Cousins trade. Where would be the best possible destinations for Cousins to end up?
Throughout the first half of the 2015-16 NBA regular season, few stories commanded more headlines than the trade speculation surrounding DeMarcus Cousins. Despite the Sacramento Kings’ insistence that Cousins wouldn’t be traded, reports of his inevitable departure sprouted from all corners.
Sacramento may have remained true to its word in 2015-16, but with the offseason nearing, its patience appears to have run thin.
Cousins is one of the most statistically prolific players of this generation. He’s also one of the most polarizing players of his era, and behind-the-scenes quarrels with his coaches appear to have the Kings dangerously close to the point of no return.
According to Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee, Cousins appears to have worn out his welcome with the Kings.
"A year ago, Cousins was untouchable. A year later, the sense within the organization is Divac is tempted by the prospect of pairing his center with his personally selected coach but that he has become increasingly frustrated by his center’s ongoing issues and, for the first time, is willing to test the market for the two-time All-Star."
With Cousins under contract through 2017-18, this could reshape the entire structure of the 2016 offseason.
Cousins finished 2015-16 with mystifying averages of 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. In turn, he became the first player to average at least 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1995-96.
If the Kings truly are prepared to part ways with one of the most statistically stupendous players in the NBA, one can’t help but wonder where the best possible landing spots would be.
Next: No. 10