Team USA center DeMarcus Cousins dunks the ball against China. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings may be on the verge of finally moving on from their center DeMarcus Cousins as the latest buzz around the league is that they are now receptive to offers.
The Boston Celtics have been involved in almost any big name trade: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and Jimmy Butler were the names that stick out. But for the longest time, the Celtics have had their eye on DeMarcus Cousins.
That scenario is unlikely to change especially with Cousins' performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics. While the center often got into foul trouble (which was blamed on the difference in officiating between FIBA and the NBA), he has maintained a positive outlook. Cousins on Team USA is the image of Boogie on a winning team and it looks very good.
This summer, the Celtics have been linked to different superstars while the team being linked to Cousins is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston cannot let that trade happen as it would make the Cavs virtually invincible in the East. Celtics president Danny Ainge is well aware of that.
A previous report, it was mentioned that the Kings may be considering the offers for Cousins as his trade value may increase. In a video from CSNNE, famed sportswriter and known die-hard Celtics fan Bill Simmons made a pitch to encourage Ainge to go all-in for Cousins. Simmons mentioned that the main concern for Boston is how Cousins might affect their "culture." However, as shown in Team USA, Boogie can thrive at the right culture and maintains a good attitude towards his teammates when they're winning.
Cousins actually admitted that he is a competitor and is heavily invested in his job, which is why he's so affected. He bared this to Tim Cato of SB Nation.
"That's something that I've tried to pick up, but that's just not me, that's just not my personality," Cousins said. "I love my job, I love what I do, and I take it very seriously. It's kinda hard for me not to stress over something that I love."
With his passion for winning, he should actually be a fine addition for this group of Celtics who never tanked and has always strived to make the playoffs.
Ainge should throw in all his assets for Cousins in the same way he was (allegedly) willing to give up the Brooklyn Nets' picks for Russell Westbrook. Cousins is probably not a top five player like Westbrook but if he actually plays in a conducive, winning environment, who knows?
The Kings will definitely seek to add a point guard and the Celtics can offer Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier to start on. Jae Crowder is someone the Kings can covet but the Celtics may cave on that one. The Brooklyn picks will also be a point of contention but if the Cavs and other teams are competing, Ainge may have to bite the bullet.
