Danny Ainge did not get his marquee move during NBA free agency or the NBA Draft like he wanted for the Boston Celtics. Instead, the team added more tradeable assets and draft picks to continue to set themselves up for a big move at some point. Is that coming sooner rather than later? While the Celtics are happy with their current roster, could DeMarcus Cousins be the intended upgrade?
According to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, Ainge is still eying a "mega trade" in the near future. While the Celtics want to maintain as much salary cap flexibility as they possibly can, the team is aiming for a big star to put in place and set themselves up for the future. While no players have been specifically mentioned, one can easily assume that DeMarcus Cousins is the intended target.
The Celtics have been interested in Cousins for some time now. Interest first arose when the team still had Rajon Rondo and it never left despite the departure of the point guard. The Celtics were linked to a draft day trade for the center, so if the Ainge is hinting at a marquee trade, he would be the intended target. The Celtics have players they could offer up in a deal. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Evan Turner have all been mention in trade deals and could be handed off to the Kings if they are willing to deal.
It is unclear just how available Cousins is. It has been well-reported that George Karl and the center have a strained relationship. The Kings attempted to move the center at the draft, but team vice president Vlade Diva continues to come out and support Cousins future with the Kings.
Teams are ready and waiting should Cousins really become a real option in a trade. The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a deal as they show little long-term commitment to Roy Hibbert for the future. The Phoenix Suns have been listed as a landing spot for the center. The Dallas Mavericks are also looking for a long-term option following the loss of DeAndre Jordan. The Boston Celtics could potentially put together the best deal Ainge is ready to make the move.