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NBA Trade Rumors: Kings Trade DeMarcus Cousins To Pelicans

By Michael Saenz

Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a play against the New York Knicks during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a play against the New York Knicks during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trade Rumors: Sacramento Kings officially trade DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans

After what seemed like years of rumors, the Sacramento Kings have officially traded DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans.

In the deal, the Pelicans will get DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi. In exchange the Kings will receive Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, Tyreke Evans, and future picks (one first-rounder and one second-rounder).

Interestingly, just two weeks ago both DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings seemed all but committed to each other. Behind closed doors, that evidently wasn’t the case. Ultimately, the Kings weren’t willing to tie up $200 million to DeMarcus Cousins.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"[via The Vertical]As much as anything, Sacramento wants to build a culture free of Cousins. In the end, they changed course on committing $200M to him.Nevertheless, Divac’s public and private proclamations that he wouldn’t trade Cousins will impact his future credibility w/ agents, players."

It’s back to rebuilding for the Sacramento Kings, who will likely end up back in the top 10 of the NBA Draft lottery – which is what was needed in order for them to keep their pick this season.

For the Pelicans, they couldn’t have come off looking better.

Not only does New Orleans get the other star that they were desperately searching for, but they didn’t really have to give up much either. Aside from Buddy Hield, who was beginning to play better as the season progressed, the Pelicans will come away as big winners when looking back at this deal.

Of course, now the question will be: does DeMarcus Cousins sign an extension with the Pelicans?

Clearly, New Orleans was willing to bet on that. Time will tell if that bet was a good or a bad one. In the end, though, for what the Pelicans gave up, it was a good gamble.

Must Read: 15 NBA Trades That Need To Happen Before The Deadline

New Orleans is 23-34, 11th in the Western Conference at the All-Star break, and 2.5 games back of the Denver Nuggets for the 8th seed. Will they make the playoffs?

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