As January comes to an end, it only means that there is only a couple of weeks remaining before the February 23rd NBA trade deadline. Once the halfway point of the regular season has gone, the NBA trade rumors begin to swirl, as competing teams look to made needed additions, while rebuilding teams attempt to depart with players.
The latest NBA buzz circles around a player that has been in many trade rumors, Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. Over the past few seasons, he has been on and off the trade block and his name has been mentioned with plenty of teams including the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, but the Phoenix Suns appear to be a new team interested in the All-Star center.
When it comes to their franchise center, the Kings have been very reluctant to do much negotiating. In previous discussions with the Lakers, the franchise was asking for a lot of compensation, as is expected when departing with a franchise-type player.
However, some discussions between the Suns and Kings have appeared to form a basis for which the trade can exist. It seems as though the Kings will receive a minimum of three pieces in return for the center, via John Gambadoro of ArizonaSports.com:
Gambadoro reports the discussions have centered around involving small forward T.J. Warren, center Alex Len, Phoenix’s first-round pick this year and possibly more. The Suns own all of their future picks and also own two future Miami Heat first-round picks from the Goran Dragic deal.
As of Tuesday, the Suns own a 15-33 record, which has them slated last in the Western conference and second worst overall behind the Brooklyn Nets. That gives them outstanding draft position when it comes to a loaded 2017 draft class. It is no secret the Kings are in dire need of a franchise-caliber point guard to lead this team, with the chance to potentially secure Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball or some of the other top-tier guards available.
Whether or not the deal actually happens, or how serious talks actually were is up in the air as Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is known to be a major Cousins supporter. In fact, recent reports were that Sacramento would be offering Cousins max contract extension after the season.
In 47 games this season, the 26-year-old is averaging a career high 28.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, a career high 4.4 assists and 1.4 blocks in 34.6 minutes per game.
