As several teams prepare to head into an offseason of rebuilding, players who were thought to be franchise staples might see their futures come into question. After hiring George Karl as a head coach, it was expected the Sacramento Kings would endure some changes on the roster and that is proving to be true as the coach stresses no one is safe from trade talk.
Karl made it clear that no one is safe on the current Kings' roster, not even DeMarcus Cousins. A trade of Cousins has been something tossed around for the entire season as he continues to put up career-high numbers with 24.1 points per game and 12.7 rebounds. However, Cousins is viewed as the type of player that does not fit Karl's system and could be trade bait in the offseason.
"I think we can make a big step next year," Karl said, via CSNBayArea.com. "As an organization, we have to be aware of what if? What if we get offered (a good trade)? What if? That's Pete and Vlade's (Divac) area of expertise. I've had some great players and I've never had one player that I have said is untradeable. You always got to be ready for the possibility of a great trade that could come your way."
Cousins is viewed as one of the best young big men in the NBA right now as he continues to improve each season. If he is truly made available in a trade, several teams could come calling. The New York Knicks will quickly have the kings on speed dial in hopes of dumping players for the big man. Team president Phil Jackson told the New York Post that getting an elite defender is a priority. Cousins would be that player. The Knicks could try and force a trade package that includes Jose Calderon and Tim Hardaway Jr, two players the Post writes are on the trade blocks heading into the offseason.
The interest in Cousins could be determined by the Knicks ability to get other top players. The team is chasing big names like Rajon Rondo, Goran Dragic and LaMarcus Aldridge. According to the New York Daily News, Jackson also really likes Greg Monroe. However, the feeling might not be mutual. Monroe downplayed interest while speaking to the media as he prepares to be a free agent.
"You write it's a done deal, there must be another Greg Monroe around here that I don't know about, because I haven't agreed to anything," Monroe said, via MLive.com. "This stuff right here, it's just unfortunate that we have to talk about it. I know we have to. But I talk to my agent every day, and I know for sure, I'm 100-percent, 1,000-percent confident, that he hasn't done anything. If they (the Knicks) have interest, maybe they might have commented on that. But I haven't even gotten to that place yet."
