The Sacramento Kings are the most confusing team in the NBA. Under new leadership Vlade Divac, the team’s management decisions has constantly come under question, even receiving criticism from players inside the program. But in the Kings eyes, there’s really only one player on their roster that they want to hold on to no matter what, DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has been in the city of Sacramento since being drafted by them in 2010, and it might be time for a move for the all-star Center.
According to some executives around the league, Cousins could be growing frustrated with the Kings organization, and want a way out. Per Zach Harper of CBSSports.com:
In the process, there is a cloud of drama and the seemingly inevitability hanging over the franchise’s head. Many people around the NBA expect Cousins to leave Sacramento when he becomes a free agent in 2018.
“They’re fooling themselves if they think he’s sticking around,” said one league executive. “The good news for them is his value will always be high. There isn’t a point of no return in which you’re not getting high value for him. Teams will bid against each other in the trade market. Maybe [Cousins] doesn’t go for the biggest money in free agency but you’d love to have that card to play.”
DeMarcus is a free agent in 2018, and with literally every team in the NBA willing to make a bid for the all-star Center, the Kings will have to brace for anything. If Sacramento is smart, they’ll do exactly what league executive expects, trade DeMarcus Cousins before they end up empty-handed come 2018. The Kings have 2 more seasons to try to turn things around and show DeMarcus Cousins they can be a title contender. But their current roster isn’t going to take them to the promise land, so it seems like Vlade Divac has a lot of work to do.
