DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : Getty Images/Ezra Shaw)
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly considering a potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that would have them sending All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins to L.A in exchange for their no.2 overall pick and Julius Randle.
Morning News USA brought up this trade possibility following news on the Kings' growing frustration over Cousins' attitude. Although they have already got rid of George Karl, Kings general manager Vlade Divac is still looking for option where they can improve their chance of contending in the Western Conference without dealing a season full of Cousins' antics.
Before the start of the 2015-16 season, the Lakers attempted several times to snag Cousins from the Kings. According to Sam Amick of USA Today, the purple-and-gold had acquired on the availability of Cousins on the trade market, but was met with incredibly asking price from the Kings front-office.
The Kings were reportedly asking for a package consists of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Randle in exchange for the productive yet mercurial big man out of Kentucky. A season later, it's unlikely the Lakers would part ways with such a talented haul, considering the fact that Cousins trade appeal has dropped a bit after all the hoopla between him and coach Karl,
Now, the Kings are looking into the possibility of adding the no.2 pick in this year's draft. Sacramento has already landed the no.8 pick, but the team's front office is aware that scooping up the second overall pick would give them the opportunity of picking either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, who are touted as once-in-generation talents.
Verdict:
The Kings will try the hardest to get a satisfying trade offer for Cousins. Unfortunately for teams salivating on the dominant center, Sacramento isn't going to pull off a trade just because they want to do it. Divac is a wise man and he has done a pretty good job rebuilding the team from complete irrelevance over the past two seasons. He hasn't achieved his goal yet, but not doubt he's very close.
The Lakers will remain interested in Cousins, though not anymore as desperate as they were last season. With the contracts of Kobe Bryant and Roy Hibbert coming off the books, the Lakers have the resources to absorb at least two max-level free-agents.
Hassan Whiteside is standing atop their free-agency wishlist, yet everyone knows that they won't pass on the opportunity of getting a much more polished Cousins once it arises. Even if they have to sacrifice their future (no.2 pick and Randle).
