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Predicting The NBA’s Biggest Headlines In 2017

By Josh Cornelissen

January 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with forward Andre Iguodala (9) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with forward Andre Iguodala (9) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Kings won 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Kings won 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Into the Desert: Demarcus Cousins hopes to start fresh after trade to Phoenix

The marriage between All-Star center Demarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings has been foul from the start.

Although Cousins has been excellent as a player, his outbursts on and off the court have caused no small amount of friction between the center and the organization. Combined with Sacramento’s complete inability to surround the Kentucky alum with a playoff-caliber team, this relationship is about to dissolve.

The Kings are currently in line to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade, but with three teams within two games of their spot in the standings it seems unlikely Sacramento will be the team to emerge on top. Their track record suggests things will continue to erode, and come February the Kings will be ready to make a move.

Sacramento could delay trading Cousins until this summer or even next season’s trade deadline, but the closer they get to Cousins’ 2018 free agency the less return they will get. With a cupboard bare from countless empty drafts, they cannot afford to lose their one real asset for nothing. By February’s trade deadline, both Cousins and Rudy Gay will be suiting up for different teams.

While there are a number of potential destinations for Cousins – Denver, Boston, Miami, potentially even Toronto or Los Angeles – Phoenix is a dark horse candidate that should not be ignored.

Phoenix has a host of assets compiled from drafting well over the last half-decade, and they have every reason to cash those in for an All-Star player. Cousins is young enough that his prime can coincide with Devin Booker’s, and their pairing has the potential to fit like a glove. Kobe-Shaq lite is a comparison that will be lighting up the imaginations of Phoenix officials.

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The Phoenix Suns should enquire about "FIBA Kobe"
The Phoenix Suns should enquire about "FIBA Kobe" /

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    • A deal that includes Brandon Knight and one of the team’s young frontcourt players – be that Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, or Alex Len – would be the foundation, with a number of the Suns’ draft picks to level things out. Not only does Phoenix have a top-7 draft pick heading their way this season, but they own all of their own picks and two of Miami’s picks down the road — picks that are becoming more valuable by the day.

    Cousins would give the Suns the interior presence they have lacked, and his ability to draw double teams will open up the perimeter for Bledsoe and Booker. If the Suns retain Bender, he could become the perfect stretch-4 alongside Cousins that Sacramento was unable or unwilling to acquire.

    Sacramento would get both players and picks to keep the team from hitting rock bottom, and give them a chance to rebuild their team and find another star, one that causes them less headaches and can be the cornerstone for the next chapter of the Kings’ franchise. Demarcus Cousins will not be part of that chapter, whether they trade him or not, so their best move is to get as much as they can, and now.

    Why not send Cousins to the desert?