DeMarcus Cousins has been an interesting case in the NBA. While the third-year player has shown signs of greatness since being drafted in the first round in 2010, he has also been a total head case for the Sacramento Kings. Any productivity he has displayed on the court has been overshadowed by his outbursts of immaturity. Depsite all of that, Cousins is reportedly demanding a max contract from the Kings or a trade.
As the team begins a new era under new management, a new owner and a new head coach, Cousins is making it known that he is prepared to not be apart of building a new franchise. Cousins is eligible for a contract extension this summer and is prepared to walk if they do not offer him a big raise.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Cousins' agent Dan Fegan has instructed the center to not speak on anything related to the Kings' new management or ownership. Fegan wants his client to get the contract and is threatening the team with a trade if the deal is not reached. Fegan is well-aware that the Kings are at a crossroads and must continue to show fans they can trust the team. Part of that will be to give Cousins his money and prove he is a player the team can build around like they once intended on doing.
Cousins may or may not be worth the money. The contract is a risk considering Cousins' behavior. He has played very well for the Kings in three seasons. He has averaged 16.3 points and 9.8 rebounds a game. However, his 44.8 shooting percentage is worrisome for the team. Fans have to wonder if Cousins is worth the trouble in the long run.
If Sacramento decides Cousins is not worth the risk, the Cleveland Cavaliers could be a possible landing spot. Owner Dan Gilbert has toyed with the trade earlier in the offseason. The Cavaliers have the No. 1 overall draft pick, but are considering trading for a more established player in the league to compliment the youth on the team. Sources reported that Gilbert is leaning more towards using the pick, but if the Kings show interest he could pull the trigger on the draft deal.