The trade buzz surrounding DeMarcus Cousins isn't going to stop. As a matter of fact, rumors are unlikely going to go away, unless the Sacramento Kings find a new home for their disgruntled All-Star center.
Cousins is a wanted man, that's for sure. The Kings big man has been front and center of trade rumors for the last two seasons largely because of his souring relationship with the team's front-office.
But despite having bad reputation of going at it with coaches, Cousins still draws tremendous interest in the trading market. The Chicago Bulls, relishing the luxury of having assets to spare, happen to be one of them.
Here are the 3 biggest reasons why the Bulls can salvage Cousins in a trade:
They have the resources to pull it off:
The trade that sent former NBA MVP Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks was viewed as a sign that they have already given up short-term targets for long=term gains. However, high-profile signing of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane speaks the other way around.
On top of having a loaded backcourt, the Bulls posses a deep stash of promising talents (Doug McDermott, Jeriah Grant, Denzel Valentine, Bobby Portis & Nikola Mirotic). These assets can be handy in trade talks, and more so in a negotiation for Cousins' service.
The Kings will capitalize on Cousins' huge trade market value. They are going to exhaust all means to find the best available package in exchange for their franchise player, and the Bulls' offer will always be enticing.
Big market opportunity:
The Windy City is always strategic place to build a legacy on the basketball court and a billion dollar portfolio on the business market. Just ask Michael Jordan. For a guy with larger than life personality, Chicago is a perfect place for Boogie Cousins.
The city offers Cousins a ton of avenue to earn money off the court, which is something the city of Sacramento cannot provide. The big man knows the spoils of playing in a big market ballclub. This would stack up favorably for the Bulls.
Higher chances of winning:
No matter how hard they deny it, the Kings are preparing for the worst case scenario. Cousins, despite putting up 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest, just can't get the Kings over the hump and he's already fed up with the direction the team is heading to.
The Bulls, meanwhile, is coming off a lackluster of a season as they saw their seven-year playoff streak ended in the first year of Fred Hoiberg's reign. Still, there's no argument that Bulls are in a much better situation than the Kings right now.
With Rondo and Wade joining Butler in that top-heavy backcourt rotation, the Bulls can certainly compete for a playoff spot in the East. That can't be said to the Kings, who will once again face tremendous odds of making into the postseason in a very loaded Western Conference.
The fact alone will be a huge factor in negotiations to come between the Bulls and the Kings. Cousins has long desired for an opportunity of playing for a winning team, so it won't be surprising if he lobbies for it.