Wojnarowski: Kings Engaging In Trade Talks For DeMarcus Cousins

Update [7:40pm]: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s James Ham wrote an update to the DeMarcus Cousins situation. To the surprise of many observers, he upgraded the likelihood of a major trade happening this week.

No deal is imminent, but according to a person with knowledge of the situation, talks between the Kings and the Pelicans took place over the weekend and there is a 50/50 chance that something will materialize before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

Meanwhile. Adrian Wojnarowski posted a series of updates Sunday evening, strongly hinting that the Kings are close to a move on Cousins. The involved teams are unnamed.

The Vertical’s Chris Mannix reports that the Kings may not be looking for a star in return anymore.

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Despite recent statements of loyalty to Sacramento by DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings may be considering their options. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports and The Vertical reported Sunday that the Kings are engaging in trade talks. The Kings later replied to Wojnarowski and have denied any plans to trade Cousins.

Only one team has been mentioned as a target by Wojnarowski: The New Orleans Pelicans, who would presumably want to pair him with their own All-Star, Anthony Davis.

This is not the first murmur about Cousins’ availability. Ric Bucher at the Bleacher Report noted that the Kings had recent discussions with the Orlando Magic.

However, like many rumors at the trade deadline, this may be much ado about nothing, as Sacramento could simply be checking their options. Multiple reporters have stated this since Woj’s report.

There have been no rumors of interest from the Portland Trail Blazers so far. Portland has three first-round draft picks, along with multiple large contracts that could be used for matching. However, the Kings have only shown recent interest in one of those players: Allen Crabbe, whom they reportedly pursued in free agency last summer before he signed an offer from the Brooklyn Nets.

After having his contract offer matched by the Blazers, Allen Crabbe has a no-trade clause during the current season. He can decline any trade that displeases him. The Blazers’ other recent signings, Festus Ezeli, Evan Turner, Meyers Leonard and Moe Harkless, do not have any such control over their fate. Unless a third team (such as Philadelphia) could facilitate a transaction, CJ McCollum cannot be moved due to his impending raise. These scenarios are covered in our recent article recapping the trade possibilities available to the Blazers.

The NBA trade deadline is at Noon (Pacific Time) on Thursday, Feb 23. For a recap of trade rumors from the past few days, visit our trade rumor roundup.