David Lee (Photo : Getty Images)
The unofficial start of the trade season has begun and one of the teams rumored to be exploring for deals is the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics are currently making a push for a playoff spot as they managed to sneak into the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference rankings with a 14-10 record.
However, Boston may need to address their lack of depth in the frontcourt if they wish to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Kelly Olynyk has been the only effective big man for the Celtics so far, but his production is still far from an All-Star contribution the franchise needs.
Currently, the frontcourt rotation of Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Amir Johnson, David Lee, Tyler Zeller, and Jonas Jerebko only averages a combined total of 6.8 points.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Boston was able to go above .500 despite not having a legitimate superstar in their lineup.
But if given a chance to acquire a proven game-changer, the storied franchise could get back in title contention. Enter Sacramento Kings center Demarcus Cousins.
Cousins is averaging 25.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game this season, but is shooting a career-low of 42.1 percent from the field. The 6-foot-10 center admitted he is struggling with his play, which contributes to the King's losing record of 9-15.
Cousins has been linked to trade rumors this season after reportedly being unhappy in Sacramento playing for head coach George Karl. That seems to have subsided now, but it does not mean Cousins can escape the rumor mill.
According to Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops, the Kings are "listening" for potential deals that involve Cousins, but have plans to deal the enigmatic big man. But the Kings' stance could still change if presented with an enticing package.
With Celtics general manager Danny Ainge "long been enamored with Cousins," Boston could trade for Boogie by shipping David Lee and Brooklyn Nets' unprotected 2016 and 2018 first round picks.
Scotto wrote: "Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has long been enamored with Cousins, and he has a plethora of draft picks - including Brooklyn's unprotected 2016 and 2018 first-round picks - plus young assets (Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Marcus Smart, etc.) and the expiring contract of David Lee to make a deal happen. This is a similar formula Ainge used in the past to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen."
According to ESPN's trade machine, a straight swap between the two All-Stars would do, but the Kings would probably want more if they plan to give up Cousins this season.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders noted that the Celtics are happy to keep Lee this season despite his limited contributions from his limited minutes. However, his expiring contract of $15 million "could return something of value" to Beantown.
Lee would give the Kings a scoring big man that could fit well with a star point guard like Rajon Rondo.
On the other hand, Cousins would give the Celtics the superstar it has long needed to get the franchise back to the NBA map.
The Celtics' interests to trade for Cousins may be genuine, but the Kings are likely to keep Boogie this season despite Sacramento's failing campaign in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season.
