The Dallas Mavericks are positioning themselves for big moves over the next two summers and if the team can't swing a deal with Dwight Howard there is a chance they could look elsewhere, including at free agents or even a deal involving DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings.
According to ESPN.com, Cousins has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors, including deals involving the Cavaliers as well as the Mavericks. The report says that the Sacramento Bee spoke to Cousins and he offered a no comment on the subject and also rolled his eyes. Cousins is following his agent's orders not to speak about his future, as the team may be working on an extension or a trade deal as he enters the final year of his contract.
The Mavericks like the size and skills of Cousins, but his maturity will always be an issue. At , 6-foot-11, 270-pounds he is a beast of a rebounder and a solid defender and he could be a good option if the team can't get Dwight Howard. The Mavericks have been one of the teams rumored in the Howard chase and if they can't get him, a possible deal could go down instead. The Kings had previously thought about trading him, but with the instability of the franchise, it never happened.
Kings general manager Pete D'Alessandro is new to the job and he may not want to shake things up, but another issue is the talent to send back for Cousins anyway. The Mavericks would like to get their hands on an elite player like Cousins if they can't land Howard and they also may go after some second tier free agents.
Some options in the market include Kevin Martin, Monta Ellis and Andrew Bynum, but depending on their financial situation, those deals may be out of reach. Bynum was hurt all of last season, but he is back off his knee rehab and according to reports he will be ready for camp. Ellis opted out of his contract and is looking for a new deal, while Kevin Martin may be an interesting option, as he is likely to leave the Thunder.
