The Boston Celtics are looking to be buyers at this year's NBA trade deadline. The team sent away their last best asset when the dealt away Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. Since then they have been trading away bench players in return for draft picks and other tradable assets. This has left them in a good position to begin rebuilding which could start by the Thursday deadline as Boston gets linked to some big names.
According to NBA.com's Sam Smith, the Celtics are looking to acquire center DeMarcus Cousins at the deadline. Smith reports the Celtics are merely expressing interest at the moment and nothing is set in stone, but with George Karl stepping in at head coach, Cousins might no longer fit the system of the Sacramento Kings. Smith writes that Kart will be implementing an up-tempo, small attack offense which does not fit Cousins' style of play.
The issue here is that Cousins is considered a franchise player for the Kings. The center is currently averaging 23.8 points per game and 12.5 rebounds per game. He could be looked at as the best low-post player in the game, but the Kings would get a big return if they ended up making him available. Cousins would cost the Celtics Brandon Bass, Evan Turner and Marcus Thornton along with draft picks. They also might give up someone like Jared Sullinger. The Kinds would likely have to add in at least one more player.
Cousins is not the only player the Celtics are eyeing at the deadline. The Denver Nuggets are reportedly making anyone on the team available for deals and Boston is interested. According to Grantland.com's Zach Lowe, the Celtics are in preliminary discussions to trade for point guard Ty Lawson who would likely help make up for the loss of Rondo while Marcus Smart develops. Lawson is 27 but still playing quality basketball. He is averaging 16.9 points per game and 10.1 assists. He would be low cost for the Celtics, potentially only costing them players like Jae Crowder or James Young.
Several NBA sources are reporting that Arron Afflalo is not the only Nugget up for dealing. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne believes teams, including the Celtics, could also look at Kenneth Faried. He will be hard to move considering his four-year, $50 million extension signed right before the season started will kick in next year and Boston might not be totally ready to pick things up.
Do not put anything past Danny Ainge. He has pulled off plenty of big trades in his day. If anyone can get Cousins away from Sacramento, it might be him.
