DeMarcus Cousins and D'Angelo Russell (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings look pretty set to pull off a major move before the start of the 2016-17 season and that involves franchise big man DeMarcus Cousins, who could be dealt to another team in the coming weeks.
According to the latest buzz on the trading front, the Kings are reportedly waiting for the right timing to unload the disgruntled center.
Cousins, who averaged 26.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game despite his much publicized squabbles with then head coach George Karl, recently voiced out his displeasure with the Kings, particularly its front office after using two of its three first round picks for big man.
The Kings selected 19-year old center Georgios Papagiannis with the 13th pick and Kentucky's Skal Labissière with the 28th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft.
As a result, Sacramento finds itself with a logjam of frontline player, which includes Cousins, Kosta Koufus, Anthony Tolliver, last year's lottery pick Willie Caulie-Stein and the two recent picks.
Cousins, who is currently training with Team USA bound to Rio Olympics, explicitly criticized the series of moves done by the Kings front office, adding that he doesn't understand what they are doing.
While stockpiling of frontline prospects is pretty unusual for any ballclub (except the Philadelphia 76ers), there are speculations that the Kings had just made an insurance move in the event they trade Cousins.
The Kings have been silently monitoring the trade market for Cousins over the past two seasons. And now with a new crop of big men on their roster, Sacramento appears set to entertain offers for their franchise player.
Should the Kings express their desire in trading Cousins, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to be the teams lining up for the All-NBA center's service.
The Lakers have a roulette of intriguing youngsters (D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac) on their roster to entice the Kings, while the Celtics possess the talent and draft picks to get the deal done. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have Kevin Love as their biggest trade bait.
For now, the Kings will likely stand pat with their current lineup, but there's any doubt the pressure of dealing away Cousins will gain steam once more when training camp arrives.
