DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Trade rumors are heavily surrounding Sacramento Kings' DeMarcus Cousins amid tension between the enigmatic big man and head coach George Karl.
This time, Cousins has been linked by Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo to the Washington Wizards in an attempt to reunite with college pal John Wall and lure OKC Thunder star Kevin Durant in joining the nation's capital and forming the NBA's strongest trio.
Woo noted that the deal would involve Bradley Beal, who is also a free agent next year, Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter in exchange for Cousins and Ben McLemore. The report added that that it would give Wall a "real big man to play with" and a possibility to lure OKC Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.
However, it is hard to imagine that the Wizards would give up important pieces of their core roster just to add acquire an emotional and hard-headed big man.
Beal is obviously the likeliest piece to be traded because of his impending free agency, but considering how the 22-year-old shooting guard is emerging as a top caliber player, Wizards would probably keep him for this season.
Durant, on the other hand, maybe heading elsewhere next summer, but all signs are pointing that the two-time scoring champion is staying with the Thunder for the meantime.
In an interview with the Oklahoman, Durant opened up about his strong family-like ties with teammate Russell Westbrook, which completely nullifies speculations that the former could not co-exist with the latter on the hard court.
Meanwhile, Cousins would certainly be an upgrade over Gortat, but the Polish big man has already been incorporated in the Wizards' system and disrupting the team's chemistry could only lead to a forgetful season.
This trade scenario may not work for both parties, but Cousins would probably be traded before the deadline if the turmoil between within the Kings' team continues.
