NBA Rumors: Kings’ George Karl Doesn’t Want DeMarcus Cousins; Trading Rudy Gay?
NBA Rumors: Kings’ George Karl reportedly has unrepairable relationship with DeMarcus Cousins, as they look to trade Rudy Gay as well
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A story can change in a matter of hours. Yesterday, less than 24 hours ago, it was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were trying to persuade the Sacramento Kings to trade DeMarcus Cousins. Turns out, that report was half right. There was some persuading going on in the Kings’ front office alright. But it was coming internally.
According to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowksi, Kings’ coach George Karl has been trying to get the front office on board with the idea of dealing Cousins, who he simply can’t see himself working with this upcoming season, apparently.
I don’t think what Los Angeles has been doing over the last few days (or weeks) is by coincidence. The Lakers know the disconnect in the Kings’ front office and are trying to take advantage of an opportunity. The chance to steal on of the best players in the NBA, while the Kings could ultimately sell cheap.
"[via Yahoo]Despite Sacramento Kings management’s public insistence that DeMarcus Cousins is unavailable in deals, coach George Karl’s intense desire to trade the All-Star center has made it increasingly unlikely this coach-star partnership can peacefully co-exist next season, league sources told Yahoo Sports.Karl has been recruiting Kings vice president of basketball operations Vlade Divac and multiple players on the Kings’ roster to unite with him in making the case to owner Vivek Ranadive that Cousins needs to be traded, league sources said.Karl and members of the Kings front office have made it clear to opposing team executives and coaches that they hope to soon have a formal ownership authorization to actively shop Cousins, sources said. Kings officials, including Karl, have discussed potential deals informally with other teams, but no other front office has felt comfortable that any deal can happen until Ranadive is fully on board."
Similarly, because the Kings have absolutely no plan and no idea what they’re doing, less than a year after agreeing to a fair contract extension with Rudy Gay, the Kings are shopping him in an attempt to free up salary cap space.
Why? Get this — the Kings have a desire to free up money in order to sign Rajon Rondo. Makes sense. Except it actually doesn’t.
"[via Yahoo]forward Rudy Gay, league sources told Yahoo Sports.Sacramento officials believe it will be difficult to find a trade partner that can give the Kings the value it wants for Cousins – and has a better chance to find a deal for Gay, sources said.Sacramento is motivated to find a way to create more salary-cap space with possible deals, something that the Kings will need to pursue Dallas Mavericks free-agent point guard Rajon Rondo, league sources said. The Kings and Rondo have a mutual interest, with Rondo intrigued with the idea of a potential one-year deal in Sacramento that could help to rebuild his league-wide value, sources said."
If anyone has any earthy idea what the Sacramento Kings are doing, do us all a favor and partake your knowledge with the masses. Because, right now, it feels like they’re on the verge of hitting the reset button — again.