For more than two long years, the biggest name in NBA trade rumors was DeMarcus Cousins, but the ending to this story may be the one outcome no one expected.
The question was always where Cousins will be traded and when, but no one ever thought the Sacramento Kings would actually keep Boogie. But the NBA did them a favor with the new collective bargaining agreement that put too much money on the line if a free agent thinks of bolting his team.
The staggering amount of $80 million could give anyone pause, even star NBA players. Thus, the once-unthinkable idea of Cousins staying in Sacramento beyond 2018 has commenced.
In this report from CSN Bay Area, the extension is all but confirmed. "CSN California has confirmed through a league source that the two sides have tossed around numbers and that barring a late change in direction by either side, Cousins intends to sign a massive, max-money extension, estimated at roughly $207 million during the offseason that will keep the big man in a Kings uniform long-term."
If the deal does take place, does that mean the trade rumors are finally coming to an end? Not exactly. Signing Cousins is step one, but keeping him happy is another thing. Kevin O' Connor of The Ringer was quick to point that out.
"By the way, for any Kings fans hoping the Boogie Trade Machine is shutting down for business: think again. An extension only increases Cousins's value. A designated player who signs an extension won't be able to be traded for one year under the new CBA, so Cousins will be eligible to be traded again in the 2018-19 season," O' Connor said.
Thus, the Kings would have bought themselves time to convince Cousins, and value if they trade him.
If Cousins is unsatisfied at the end of the 2017-18 season, he could be dealt before the start of the 2018-19 season.
The Boston Celtics would have probably got their franchise player by then. The trades that could move the needle for the Kings are likely one centered on Paul George and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers.
A trade centered on Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls, who would still be under contract at that time is also a possibility. But a trade that would shock the NBA would be Anthony Davis for DeMarcus Cousins-if the New Orleans Pelicans continue to waste away the Unibrow's talents by losing year in and year out.
A two-year moratorium, but not the end of trade rumors entirely-that's what the extension is all about.