Report: 'Vast majority' of Kings organization in favor of dealing Cousins
While the Sacramento Kings have finally - mercifully - gone radio-silent, beneath the surface, the offseason turmoil allegedly rolls on.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck was asked Monday about potential superstar trade candidates, and he didn't hesitate to suggest that the basketball world hasn't heard the last of the DeMarcus Cousins trade chatter. Here's Beck:
Sacramento, I think, wants to hold on to him. Certainly the owner, Vivek Ranadive, absolutely wants to hold on to DeMarcus Cousins.
But I've been told that if you polled the rest of the organization, the vast majority are in favor of trading DeMarcus Cousins. And that would include, though he denies it, coach George Karl.
This isn't really new, but it's surprising to hear the rift within the organization still exists. Reports surfaced in late June that Karl and president Vlade Divac were at odds, with Ranadive ultimately giving the alleged go-ahead for trade discussions after Divac more or less admitted any scenario was on the table.
Cousins has been saying all the right things publicly, and Karl has spoken about his improving relationship with the superstar, so it's odd the Kings still haven't plugged any leaks on the matter despite a unified front.
Should Cousins hit the market once again, expect just about every team to put a feeler out on a potential asking price. The 25-year-old is a superstar, coming off his first All-Star appearance and a season in which he averaged 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.7 blocks. He's also under contract through 2018 on a deal that represents an incredible bargain in the rising cap environment.
Players of his caliber rarely hit the market, and when they do, they command an appreciable ransom.
For their part, Cousins, Divac, and Karl appear to be over the drama:
HEADLINES
- Bengals endure another 'sickening' loss in season of frustrations
- Lamar, Burrow combine for 8 TDs as Ravens hold off Bengals in thriller
- Ravens' Hamilton sprains ankle in win over Bengals
- Brunette more concerned by Preds' play than record: Standard not 'upheld'
- Kings' Jeannot ejected for high hit, Canucks' Boeser exits game