Klay Thompson (Photo : Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors could be a potential landing spot for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins has been the most mentioned name in the rumor mill once again, with the Kings on course for another disappointing season. According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, rival executives believe the Kings could finally make Cousins available, although at a steep price.
"They'll never get what they want in return," an East GM told Amico. "They think Cousins is worth more than he actually is. He hurts you every bit as much as he helps you. He's like a cheeseburger, or booze. Too much and you'll pay a price."
Despite Cousins' rocky relationship with the Kings, the team has yet to officially make him expendable, mostly because of what Boogie can bring on the table. Cousins can get it done on both ends of the floor, posting career averages of 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. But there is a growing sense Cousins' unpredictable mood and his reputation for being too difficult could force the Kings to explore the trade market for the All-Star center.
According to Amico, one Western Conference executive would be willingly deal for Cousins, although a "dominant personality" on a team is required to control the 26-year-old center.
"I'd take (Cousins), but you'd need a dominant personality to control him. I've been in that locker room. He's a problem. They'd love to trade him, but can't. So they act like they won't. They would, though-tomorrow," a West GM told Amico.
It is unclear which of the teams in the West would consider making a run at Cousins, but given their need of a dominant big man, the Warriors could emerge as a potential destination for Boogie.
Despite possessing one of the deadliest lineup offensively, the Warriors have a glaring need for a skilled big man who can get it done on both ends of the floor. Losing Andrew Bogut, who played an essential role to the team's success in past two seasons, devoid the Warriors a defensive anchor and scoring opportunities inside the paint.
Acquiring Cousins would not only address the Warriors' weakness at the center position, but would also give the team a dominant scorer. Playing for the Warriors would also fulfill Cousins' desire to be on a winning team, and his close relationship with the likes of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant during their stint with Team USA should allow the former a smooth transition in joining the Dubs.
However, trading for an immense talent like Cousins would be costly for the Warriors. The Kings are not expected to let go of Cousins without significant value in return, which means any potential deal for the Warriors would include an All-Star.
Klay Thompson has been rumored as the likely odd man out in Golden State, with Durant taking over his role on the team. Thompson played an important role in the Warriors' overall success, but the two-time All-Star is struggling to find his shoots this season, only making 38.4 of his shots from the field, including a career-low 19.6 percent from the three-paint area.
Trading Thompson to the Kings for Cousins would work under NBA salary guidelines, although it remains to be seen whether the Warriors would consider such move. The Warriors have invested in Thompson long-term and the 26-year-old shooting guard is still considered a crucial piece to the team's identity.
It would be hasty for the Warriors to ponder about trading Thompson at this point. But if the Warriors continue to play below expectations, expect the names of Cousins and Thompson get linked in a potential deal.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
