NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein
While the 2016-17 NBA season might still be in its infancy, there are already trade rumors swirling around some notable names around the league.
With almost three months until February's trade deadline, here is the latest on some possible trades the NBA could see before then:
Could DeMarcus Cousins' Sacramento Saga Come To An End?
On multiple occasions over the years, Sacramento Kings star big man DeMarcus Cousins looked destined to be shipped out of town given his relationships with various members of the organization.
His name has surfaced once again around the league, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com:
"Consensus among several league sources I asked about the DeMarcus Cousins/Sacramento situation: The Kings would trade him before the deadline if they were smart. The logic is that Cousins is extremely unlikely to return to Sacramento once he becomes a free agent, and the Kings can maximize his trade value when he still has another full season remaining on his contract.
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Cousins is signed through the 2017-18 season in which he's owed a combined $35 million until then, via Spotrac.com.
It would be smart for the Kings to get a nice package in return for Cousins before he hits free agency or else his departure could be a debilitating one for the franchise.
The two-time All-Star has been the face of a franchise that has not made the playoffs since the 2005-06 season. In his seven-plus years in the league, Cousins has averaged 20.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, but it's been lost at times within such a struggling franchise:
If he is granted a departure from Sacramento, his name could be a far-more prevalent one moving forward around the league.
An Unhappy Cauley-Stein Could Be Shipped
Cousins' teammate and Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein doesn't seem to be that content with his status under new head coach Dave Joerger.
According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, "word is Sacramento is open to moving the second-year big man, who wants more of a role than he has under new head coach Dave Joerger."
However, James Ham of CSN Bay Area learned that the Kings "intend" to keep Cauley-Stein moving forward.
Cauley-Stein has seen a noticeable dip in his numbers under Joerger compared to last season with George Karl at the helm:
| 21.4 | Minutes Per Game | 14.5 |
| 7.0 | Points Per Game | 4.8 |
| 5.3 | Rebounds Per Game | 1.8 |
| 1.0 | Blocks Per Game | 0.6 |
A No. 6 overall draft pick to get that little time while still at the beginning of his career could be damaging for his career development the more he sits on the bench. It could also have a profound effect on his demeanor on and off the court the longer he stays in a system he doesn't like.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
