NBA Trade Rumors: Why a DeMarcus Cousins Deal Could Be Beneficial for Both the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns
Rumored Phoenix Suns-Sacramento Kings trade may involve the former dealing young players and a draft pick in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins' name has been in the rumor mill for quite a while. And now, the latest NBA trade rumors are hinting that the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns have touched base on a potential deal that involves the All-Star center.
According to a recent report from Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro, the two teams have discussed a potential trade that could send Cousins to Phoenix in exchange for forward TJ Warren and center Alex Len as well as their first round pick for this upcoming draft.
There may also be other pieces included in a possible deal, though they were not specified.
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On the surface, this may look like a risky deal for both sides.
For the Kings, dealing Cousins now would mean likely missing the playoffs again, which is no minor thing given that the franchise has not made the postseason for 10 consecutive years and would be in great danger of doing so for an 11th if they trade their best player.
For the Suns, trading for Cousins would likely necessitate them giving away a high pick in a draft that features some very intriguing talents, meaning they may be effectively exchanging greater long-term franchise health in exchange for a player who may leave after the 2017-18 season.
Those are the potential consequences for the teams involved in this deal, but then again, if this trade works out, it could lead to great things for both the Kings and the Suns.
The high pick the Kings could acquire as part of the Cousins deal could be used to draft the next face of the franchise, while Warren and Len can help the team both now and in the future given how young they still are.
As for the Suns, getting Cousins could enable them to compete quicker, and with standout guards Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker already on the team, they are young and talented enough to be good over a long period of time.
Essentially, the possible trade outlined above could finally give the Kings the young players they need to form an even sturdier foundation for themselves as opposed to counting on only one young player to produce consistently. Meanwhile, the Suns can vault into playoff contention quickly, with the possibility of more success to come.
For now, this reported deal remains a rumor, but fans of both the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns may want to keep track of the latest NBA trade rumors to see if anything more comes of it.
