The basketball world was sent into shock last week when the Sacramento Kings traded away center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was an unexpected move after Cousins had committed to staying in Sacramento long term.
Even more surprising was the fact that the Kings had reportedly informed Cousins recently that he would not be traded.
After making the move to NOLA, Cousins opened up to Marc Spears of The Undefeated about the trade, blasting the Kings’ in the process.
An excerpt from the full interview, which you should read here:
When did the Kings tell you that you wouldn’t be traded?
“A week before the trade. The sick part about it is that Vlade came in my house with my agent [Jarinn Akana]. We sat in my theater and just talked. That was maybe three weeks ago. We sat there and [he] told me what moves he wanted to make. All of that. I just didn’t understand.
“I got a text from the owner right before I went to All-Star. He was asking me about a player, how I felt about him and making a move. The owner! When it happened, I was just in shock. I didn’t understand.”
Is there any part of you that wants to talk to Ranadive or Divac?
“Nah. For what? It was a coward move, so I’m pretty sure I will get a coward response. For what? And I’ve seen this happen before. I’ve been there through all same types … I was there with [coach] Mike Malone’s [firing]. I’ve seen how they operate. I know what kind of answer I will get anyway. So, what is the point?”
Besides confirming that the Kings had told him very recently he wouldn’t move, Cousins had some harsh words for the organization as well. It’s hard to blame Boogie; he was blindsided by a front office that has done nothing to gain trust from players or fans.
Cousins did make sure to show his love for his teammates, the Kings’ coaching staff, and the people in Sacramento. But it’s clear that the grudge against Ranadive and Divac is not going away anytime soon.
