The DeMarcus Cousins rumors are intensifying as the NBA Draft approaches. The Sacramento Kings have remained consistent about not wanting to trade Cousins, but the rumors keep popping up.
-== Best Lakers Draft Pick & Free Agent Pairings ==-
It’s not a surprise that teams are inquiring about players and draft picks, everybody is trying to improve their team in one way or another. Rumors will be flying all over the place. Some will be true, others will be overblown. However, once Adrian Wojnarowski reports something, then you know it’s real.
According to Woj, the Lakers and Kings are discussing the framework for a possible deal that could send Cousins to the Lakers:
Yahoo Sources: Lakers, Kings discuss possible framework of a DeMarcus Cousins trade. Kings exploring elsewhere too. http://t.co/dmA8T3F2h4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2015
Now, the idea of Cousins in a purple and gold uniform actually seems like it could happen. Cousins is one of the best big men in the NBA and is only 24 years old, so he has plenty of good basketball left in him.
With Cousins on the roster, the Lakers could approach free agency and sell players on a future with Cousins, who is a force in the paint and emerging star in this league. While he has been criticized for his character issues, his talent is undeniable.
According to Wojnarowski, Vlade Divac reportedly wants the number two pick, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson:
"Kings vice president of basketball operations Vlade Divac has pursued a possible deal that would include a bevy of assets, including the Lakers’ No. 2 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, rookies Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson and other draft assets, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Sacramento also would want to unload the remainder of forward Carl Landry’s two years, $13.5 million contract, league sources said."
It’s doubtful the Lakers will agree to a deal that will cost them all of their young and promising assets. Cousins is a good player, but that’s too much for the Lakers to give up. There’s also a possibility that the Denver Nuggets could be involved in a three team deal since the Kings want proven assets in return.
The Lakers would like to strike a deal before the start of the draft, but that’s not going to stop them from pursuing Cousins. They are likely going to choose between Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell, but if the Kings are set on trading Cousins, they might not be a Laker for long.