Almost all the preseason predictions had the Sacramento Kings as the team to watch for all the wrong reasons.
The media was waiting for the team to implode and the way it was tossed around, it was a question of "when" and not "if."
The answer may have came in early. In our earlier report, DeMarcus Cousins was quoted to have called for a "players only" meeting to discuss their "in-house issues."
While that may be a red flag for most executives, they would hesitate, or even outright disregard the thought of trading a player with Cousins' enormous talent. "Boogie" has always been criticized for his attitude but talent was never a question-until now.
One of the better writers in the hoops field, Tom Ziller of SB Nation, has suggested that the Kings consider a trade for DeMarcus Cousins.
Ziller is not about to make this recommendation based on Cousins' controversial cryptic statements. He notes that the Kings have a "chicken and egg" dilemma. They need to improve their roster around Cousins but the only way to do that is to trade Cousins himself.
The situation draws a parallel with Kevin Love's situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves two seasons ago. Ziller illustrated the scenario.
"The Timberwolves could never really win with Kevin Love despite his gaudy numbers and All-Star status. They waited until a year before free agency to trade him ... and netted Andrew Wiggins. That, plus a bad season of their own, earned them the vaunted Wiggins/Karl-Anthony Towns core that has everyone around the league drooling."
The Kings could take a similar route. It won't be a popular decision as Cousins is probably the most talented player the franchise ever drafted, but even from a basketball standpoint, it's necessary.
The usual suspects would be around to take a chance on Cousins. The Kings' in-state rivals Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to take a chance. Matt Moore of CBS suggested: "Honestly, if the Kings can get Russell, Julius Randle and a future pick, they should probably pull the trigger."
If the Kings want draft picks more than high potential rookies (Randle is virtually a rookie because he was injured all season), the Boston Celtics have their war chest ready and loaded.
Ziller did admit that the trade will not happen this soon, with the season barely starting. It could be at the trade deadline or all the way till June. What he points out is that the Kings SHOULD consider trading Cousins and see what they can get, rather than hanging up the phone right away.