DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings star center DeMarcus Cousins is being steadily linked to trade rumors, and this time, the enigmatic big man is speculated to be Boston Celtics' target this season.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has stated earlier this month that the franchise is considering all talented players at the right price.
"Listen, we consider all talented players, but what is the price?" Ainge said, reports ESPN.
"The bottom line is I can't talk about any players, but I can assure you that we're familiar with every player in the league and every player's background and their character. We consider it all."
In Cousins' case, he is certainly the right talent with the right tag price the Celtics are looking for as the team lacks a superstar who could solidify Boston's status as a title contender.
But the questions is, what is the right price the Celtics need to pay to acquire Boogie from the Kings?
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Celtics use their 2016 unprotected first round pick, which they acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
With the Nets slumping into the pit of the league standings, it is likely that the first-round pick could possibly turn into LSU Tigers' frehsman forward Ben Simmons, who is considered as consensus top draft pick next year.
According to Favale, if that Brooklyn pick is combined with a tangible asset, it would entice the Kings to send Cousins at Bean Town.
Real GM trade checker has approved the possibility of the Kings swapping Cousins for David Lee, whom the Celtics acquired during the offseason from the Golden State Warriors.
Lee plus Brooklyn's pick could certainly be enough for the Kings, as Lee is already a proven veteran who could still put up solid numbers if given quality minutes.
However, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, a league source told him that it is impossible for Ainge to give up Brooklyn's pick unless it is for a proven and tested player.
The Eastern Conference is surprisingly getting stronger and the competition is getting stiffer for teams. If the Celtics wish to maintain their chances for a playoff spot, they may need to consider trading for a game-changer like Cousins.
