Just when you thought things in Sacramento were going good, somethings have switched seemingly out of nowhere. When the season came to an end, Kings star DeMarcus Cousins was talking to some media after an event at a local school and said he didn’t have an exit meeting with President of Basketball operations, Vlade Divac, because, ‘they’re on the same page’.
Not much later, things have seemingly turned on its head. Cousins recently voiced his frustrations with the Kings in an interview and just aired out his greivences. This possibly stems from a recent report stating that the Kings are willing to listen for offers for DeMarcus Cousins. In particular Vlade Divac, the man who once said he wouldn’t trade Cousins for Michael Jordan, might be ready to move on.
Following from Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Kings.
the sense within the organization is Divac is tempted by the prospect of pairing his center with his personally selected coach but that he has become increasingly frustrated by his center’s ongoing issues and, for the first time, is willing to test the market for the two-time All-Star.
The disconnect between Karl and Divac, and Karl and Cousins, is rivaled closely by the discord within the fragmented locker room. Apart from Rondo, Cousins has few friends among his teammates. Several players privately have complained to management about his mood swings and disrespect for those around him, including his coaches and in particular Karl.
The most interesting takeaway from the media session might be what the Kings’ top basketball executive failed to say. When asked if Karl’s termination meant he is committed to Cousins, who clashed repeatedly and angrily with Karl, Divac was uncharacteristically evasive.
“Anything about the players and how we are going to do in the summer,” he said, “I don’t want to talk about right now because our focus is to find a new coach.”
A year ago, Cousins was untouchable. A year later, the sense within the organization is Divac is tempted by the prospect of pairing his center with his personally selected coach but that he has become increasingly frustrated by his center’s ongoing issues and, for the first time, is willing to test the market for the two-time All-Star.
Could the Kings move DeMarcus Cousins this summer? A lot of factors could play a part in this decision and the first could be who wins the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery.
If the Boston Celtics come out on top and take home the top overall pick, would the Celtics be willing to move that top pick, some other picks and young pieces to get DeMarcus Cousins? It’s something to think about but for right now, there appears to be nothing but rumors swirling around.