NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Olynyk to Mavericks, Cousins Stay if Kings Make Playoffs
NBA teams and players continue to be in trade rumors as the NBA 2016-17 regular season progresses. Most teams have played 24 games out of 82, and the early signs are telling; some teams need major revamps, even if it means trading away their best players. Here are the latest trade rumors.
1. Kelly Olynyk to Dallas Mavericks
According to the latest rumors, the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks might engage in a trade before the trade deadline arrives. In particular, the Celtics might give Kelly Olynyk to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Andrew Bogut.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The Boston Celtics currently have a standing of 13 wins and 10 losses, sitting at the 4th spot of the Eastern Conference. To contend with the top teams, such as the defending champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, rumors say the Celtics must add a defensive player in the front court. That is what Andrew Bogut provides if the trade pushes through.
A starting five composed of center Andrew Bogut, power forward Al Horford, small forward Jae Crowder, shooting guard Avery Bradley, and point guard Isaiah Thomas would be a formidable team, both on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
Aside from Olynyk, the Celtics would also send a 2018 1st round draft pick in the trade. Dallas may benefit from having Olynyk in their roster, as he is an offensive big man who can space the floor with his outside shooting. His defensive skills aren't bad either.
Olynyk is averaging 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this season. He also shoots 3% from deep.
2. DeMarcus Cousins Won't be Traded if Kings Make Playoffs
DeMarcus Cousins is once again having an impact on the league with his shooting and rebounding skills. He is the Sacramento Kings' star player, and is living up to the title, yet the team isn't having a good season once again. He has even improved on his three point game; shooting around 37 percent from beyond the arc this season.
Many rumors are suggesting that Cousins should be traded to shake up the Kings roster and get back to winning form. The star center has put up 20 plus point averages per game for the last 4 years, but the team hasn't been in the playoffs for the last ten years.
The general consensus among basketball analysts is that Cousins fate is in the hands of whether or not the Kings have a chance at making it through the playoffs this season. According to Chris Broussard of Fox Sports, "If they are competing and in the playoff hunt, what I'm told is they would like to keep him."
The Kings currently have a standing of 8 wins and 15 losses, which puts them at the 11th spot. The eighth, ninth and tenth sports are filled by the Trail Blazers, Lakers and Nuggets, respectively, with the 8th Blazers having a standing of 12-13.
Cousins is currently averaging 28.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
