NBA Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins Demanded Trade; Wants To Play For Knicks?
NBA Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins reportedly demanded a trade a month ago and prefers to be traded to the Lakers or the Knicks
DeMarcus Cousins has known for a while now that he isn’t wanted in Sacramento — at least by his head coach, George Karl.
According to Carmichael Dave of KHTK Sports 1140, Cousins reportedly asked for a trade a month ago.
.@CarmichaelDave reporting that DeMarcus Cousins asked for a trade one month ago. CD adds that Cousins’ camp was split on the decision.
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) June 23, 2015
Echoing the @CarmichaelDave similar report, sources have reported multiple instances of Pete D polling people ‘Karl or Cousins’ for months.
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) June 23, 2015
Despite his demands, Cousins doesn’t really have much leverage. He’s locked into three more years with the Kings and wouldn’t be able to hit the free agent market until 2018. “Demanding a trade,” though, was probably his only move if he really doesn’t want to be in Sacramento.
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Not only did Cousins reportedly demand a trade, but he also reportedly has a preference list — with, of course, the Knicks close to the top, despite their lack of trade assets.
"[via CBS Sports]Cousins’ agent, Dan Fegan, would like to steer his client to the Lakers, who can offer Julius Randle and this year’s No. 2 pick — though rival teams doubt the Kings would send Cousins to a division rival. The Knicks are another team on Cousins’ list, but all the Knicks have to offer is the fourth pick (which, bear in mind, can’t officially be dealt until the Knicks use it, since their 2016 first-rounder already has been traded)."
Still, even though Karl doesn’t want any part of coaching Cousins next season, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive has been outspoken about Cousins staying put. And Vlade Divac, the team’s vice president of basketball, reportedly echoes the same thoughts.
"[via USA Today]“We have zero interest in moving Cousins, so I don’t know where that’s coming from,” Ranadive said when asked about an ESPN.com report in which a Kings-Los Angeles Lakers-Orlando Magic trade scenario was discussed. “But if you like, you should talk to (Kings vice president of basketball and franchise operations) Vlade (Divac), because I know Vlade feels exactly the same way. And I’m deferring to Vlade on everything. We have no interest in moving him. From my perspective, it’s really simple: we feel that he’s a one-of-a-kind player, and we have a group of players right now and we’re going to build on it.”"
In the end, this could very well be a power battle between Karl and Cousins. One of them won’t be in camp this fall for the Kings. Don’t be surprised if Karl is the odd man out.