DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Despite the optimism in Sacramento Kings borne out of their new coach, experts are still skeptical with DeMarcus Cousins.
Make no mistake, though, no one is saying Cousins is not a good player but he and his team (Kings) would benefit if they were to separate.
In their end of season analysis on the Kings, ESPN Insider gathered their panel of experts to weigh in on what's next for the franchise. When asked for their unsolicited advice for the offseason, David Thorpe did not mince words.
Trade DeMarcus Cousins for a solid veteran, some young prospects and picks," Thorpe said. "Forget about 'equal value' and just move on. Trade Rudy Gay. Don't re-sign Rajon Rondo. Start fresh with the few solid veterans you have plus what you get in the deals and the draft. And let Dave Joerger coach them up."
There are a lot of teams that would willingly cough up a trade package to acquire Cousins, but Thorpe actually has some destinations in mind. Thorpe's reason why they should trade Cousins is that the franchise has lost control of the team leadership and made Boogie the "King." After power-playing off coaches that he did not get along with, Sacramento is literally Cousins' stomping grounds. Thus, Thorpe believes Boogie needs to be sent to a place like Dallas.
"Dallas or Houston, big-city teams featuring stars to help him find a place in this world, would be ideal for him. He wouldn't be the most famous guy in either spot, and in the case of Dallas, he wouldn't have a coach he can disrespect."
With Houston currently in disarray (they don't even have a coach yet), the point of having a strong leadership belongs to the Dallas Mavericks. Owner Mark Cuban has repeatedly stood up for his Coach Rick Carlisle (see Rajon Rondo) over star players and the latter has kept their team consistently competitive despite roster changes.
The only caveat is that Dallas may not be able to put together the package of a solid veteran, young prospect and draft picks. Scout.com had proposed a package of Zaza Pachulia and Dwight Powell but this was prior to the trade deadline. Both are now free agents.
The main assets that the Mavericks have are Wesley Matthews and Dirk Nowitzki. Chandler Parsons has a player option, so that only leaves Matthews. The Mavs may have to include Justin Anderson, Salah Mejri and a barrage of no.1 picks.
Suffice to say, the chances of Cousins ending up in Dallas are slim as other teams are ready to pounce. Thorpe has a solid point but it's unlikely to happen.
