The Phoenix Suns may pull the rug on the supposed DeMarcus Cousins frontrunners if NBA trade rumors hold true.
The latest buzz from Arizona Sports has confirmed that discussions have taken place, which is a step forward from being purely speculative. The confirmation was given by John Gambadoro of AS.
"The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have had discussions about a trade involving All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. Gambadoro reports the discussions have centered around involving small forward T.J. Warren, center Alex Len, Phoenix's first-round pick this year and possibly more. The Suns own all of their future picks and also own two future Miami Heat first-round picks from the Goran Dragic deal," the report stated.
This would be a coup for the Suns since they did not have to give up any of their three top guards: Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker and Brandon Knight. Knight was often featured as the most likely trade bait. Bledsoe is Cousins' teammate in their lone season at Kentucky.
Playing with a backcourt like Booker and Bledsoe could be the key for Cousins as these players will take off defensive pressure on the star center.
One of the key pieces that the Kings are after is the first round pick. The Phoenix Suns are the worst team in the Western Conference and second from the bottom overall. They have good odds on finishing in the top three of the 2017 NBA Draft.
That works for the Phoenix Suns because the players at the top of the mock drafts are guards, specifically Markelle Fultz of Washington and Lonzo Ball of UCLA. The Kings desperately need a point guard and one of them could be the cornerstone of the franchise in the future.
ESPN Insider and Draft guru Chad Ford has very high hopes for both Fultz and Ball when he evaluated the college freshmen who are projected to enter the draft. He placed them in the top tier, meaning they could be future superstars.
"Fultz's all-around game, athleticism and versatility make him a virtually can't-miss prospect. Ball's unique combination of size and court vision have some scouts comparing him to Jason Kidd with a jump shot," Ford said.
More updates on the possible DeMarcus Cousins trade are expected as other teams may also attempt to make a counter-offer.