The Kings will listen to offers for DeMarcus Cousins this summer, but it’s unlikely that a trade occurs until they lower their asking price, Sam Amick of USA Today writes.
Last June, Sacramento reportedly wanted Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft and other draft considerations in exchange for Cousins. Some rival executives believed Sacramento’s demands were outrageous, Amick hears, while other executives viewed the proposal differently, speculating that the Kings didn’t value either the draft picks or unproven prospects as enough for Cousins by themselves because they wanted to win immediately.
The Kings are likely to soften their stance on a Cousins trade if the situation doesn’t improve leading up to the 2017 trade deadline, the scribe adds. Cousins is signed through the 2017/18 season, and he’ll make slightly over $35MM during the two seasons that follow this one.
Here’s more from the Pacific Division
- The Kings would like to mend their relationship with Cousins, and some within the organization hope that it could be fixed with a coaching change in the offseason, Amick writes in the same piece.
- Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak was in attendance for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s practice in Israel today, presumably to watch Dragan Bender, Jake Fischer of SI Now reports (Twitter link).
- The acquisition of Brandon Knight hasn’t worked out for the Suns, and the team would be foolish not to consider trading him, Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post opines. Bontemps argues that Knight’s five-year, $70MM deal is movable, and that with the emergence of Devin Booker, the team can afford to make a move in the backcourt.
Kings will get attractive offers for cousins no matter what, but the first offers will be low ball offers.
As far as bender, I see him being a very good player in this league.
Clarkson, Lou and possible #2 pick for Cousins. Works for both teams
How does that work for both teams? Seems like terrible value to me…a restricted free agent, a possible top 3 pick and a sixth man for one of the top big men in the league? Any Lakers trade for Cousins starts with at least Clarkson, that top 3 pick, Nance or Randle (depending on who the Kings like more) and either more draft picks or Russell.
Both the Lakers and Celtics could be in play for Cousins depending how the draft lottery plays out. Sacramento has to forget about making the Playoffs and build the team slowly. Then need to demand young talent and draft picks for Cousins. They also need to get rid of Gay if they can find someone willing to take him.
Sixers could take on Brandon Knight’s contract if it’s a straight dump for their 2 later 1st round picks. The Suns could package picks for 2017 or try to move back up to get Bender as well.
Brandon Knight is a hard worker and puts up good numbers but the Pistons and Bucks soured on him as their floor leaders.