Another NBA season has begun and so have the trade rumors circling the dismal Sacramento Kings and All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.
"Boogie" is arguably the NBA's best center, but the Kings haven't won more than 33 games since his arrival in 2010. His attitude problems are well documented, but so is his dominance in the paint. With just one more season until Cousins is likely to walk, the Kings are running out of time for find a trade partner, which is easier said than done.
“They’ll never get what they want in return,” an East Conference general manager told Amico Hoops. “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.”
Other team executives agree, telling Amico Hoops the Kings are only holding on to Cousins because they have no other choice.
"I’d be terrified with that guy on my team," one general manager said. "They’ve asked me about him, what I’d give up. The answer is not much, no one that I value.”
Cousins is averaging 26.0 points and 8.4 rebounds through seven games this season, though he's already been in trouble for throwing his mouthpiece into the stands. He was fined $25,000 and assessed a technical foul.
“I’d take (Cousins), but you’d need a dominant personality to control him," one Western Conference executive said. "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.”
