NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on DeMarcus Cousins, Danilo Gallinari, More
The NBA season is not even one month old yet, but some big-name players could already be on the trading block.
There is plenty of time for teams to make a move before the February deadline, so let's take a look at the latest notable rumors around the league.
DeMarcus Cousins
Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins continues to be the subject of trade rumors, given his actions both on and off the court.
After sources told Tim McMahon of ESPN.com that dealing Cousins before the trade deadline would be the logical thing to do, Kings minority owner Shaquille O'Neal added his two cents to the mix, per Matt Moore of CBSSports.com.
"In the previous years, he's been hotheaded, he hasn't shown great leadership qualities," O'Neal said. "I'm hearing talk that if things don't start to become correct, then they may be looking in another direction."
That's not a resounding endorsement from a management member, even if Shaq has a minority stake.
According to Spotrac, Cousins is signed through the 2017-18 season and is expected to make $35 million until then.
On a Kings franchise steeped in mediocrity (a situation which has contributed to Cousins' attitude problems), it could be imperative for the team to deal the center and get something in return, as it's unlikely he'll re-sign with Sacramento once he hits free agency.
The two-time All-Star has averaged 20.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game during his career and should garner plenty of interest despite his issues. A change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for a player of his caliber who has never made the playoffs.
Danilo Gallinari
Denver Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari has developed into a solid combo threat as a 6'10" player who can play near the hoop as well as bury shots from outside.
After being dealt from the New York Knicks as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal, Gallinari has averaged 15.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as a vital contributor to Denver's offense.
However, he and his team have not made the postseason in each of the last three seasons, and 2016 hasn't been kind, as the Nuggets are off to a 3-7 start.
While they've accrued young talent in Emmanuel Mudiay, Will Barton and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets don't seem to want to part with Gallinari, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer: "The Nuggets have resisted multiple trade offers for Gallinari over the past two seasons, per sources, and they’ve tried to acquire proven talent."
At 28, Gallinari is the Nuggets' oldest starter. He provides a veteran presence within a unit that features a 20-year-old Mudiay, 22-year-old Jusuf Nurkic and 21-year-old Nikola Jokic.
If Denver can't acquire an All-Star-caliber veteran talent to add to the lineup, there's no use trading a player like Gallinari, who carries a wealth of NBA experience.
Willie Cauley-Stein
There are rumblings that Cousins' teammate in Sacramento, fellow center Willie Cauley-Stein, could also be on the move.
ESPN.com's Marc Stein wrote, "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."
Stein saw considerably more time during his rookie season last year under George Karl than he has so far in 2016-17 with Joerger:
| 21.4 | Minutes Per Game | 13.8 |
| 7.0 | Points Per Game | 4.7 |
| 5.3 | Rebounds Per Game | 1.8 |
| 1.0 | Blocks Per Game | 0.6 |
On Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, he played a season-low eight minutes and 13 seconds, scoring just four points.
Shortly after Stein's report, though, James Ham of CSN Bay Area learned that the Kings intend to keep Cauley-Stein moving forward.
If they do keep Cauley-Stein, the Kings will have to find a way to involve him more. Otherwise, the No. 6 overall pick in 2015 will be a wasted one.
