Team USA center DeMarcus Cousins dunks the ball against China. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA Trade Rumors continue and the latest claim is that the Sacramento Kings are now "listening" to trade offers for DeMarcus Cousins.
This is Cousins at his best-on a winning team surrounded by winners and calming presences. Team USA is when Cousins can remind himself that he is a good basketball player despite the mediocrity that surrounds him in Sacramento.
Six full years of losing is taking its toll on Cousins and he is taking his frustration on the court, so being in the Olympics is constructive for him. But as Boogie himself confided to Tim Cato of SB Nation
"I stress over my job every day," Cousins told SB Nation. "I'm here and I'm still stressing over my job, you know?"
Cato noted that Cousins is not the type who can separate themselves from whether their team is winning or losing. He can't help but get affected.
"That's something that I've tried to pick up, but that's just not me, that's just not my personality," Cousins said. "I love my job, I love what I do, and I take it very seriously. It's kinda hard for me not to stress over something that I love."
There are reports that the Sacramento Kings are frustrated with Cousins, but it's clear that it's the other way around. While Cousins is under contract, teams are anticipating that he might demand a trade just like what Rudy Gay did.
Three teams that could be on the forefront of suitors pushing for Cousins are the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
The Kings could take a package of Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis and perhaps rookie Denzel Valentine. The Kings don't need Robin Lopez back and Boogie can play even play the four. The big draw for the Cousins is a reunion with Rajon Rondo. Also, Jimmy Butler is his teammate in Team USA and they have bonded quite well.
The LA Lakers has the player that the Kings want-D'Angelo Russell. They could ask for Julius Randle or Larry Nance as possible additions.
The Boston Celtics can offer the best package in terms of draft picks. The Kings can also ask for a point guard, Terry Rozier or Marcus Smart. They can also pick Avery Bradley or Jae Crowder.
The Kings will have a myriad of choices and they could possibly be dealing at this moment. When the American team wins gold and Boogie has a good showing, his trade value would be higher. The Kings might want to cash in.
