NBA Stars DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmy Butler Lead Latest Trade Rumors
Just a few weeks into the 2016-17 NBA regular season and the NBA trade rumors continue to pour in and even the biggest names aren't exempted. Here are some of the latest trade rumors.
1. DeMarcus Cousins to be Traded Before the Deadline
DeMarcus Cousins has been the subject of trade talks since the off-season, but according to the latest rumors, trading the Kings center is becoming more of a realistic hot topic among NBA executives now. In fact, these rumors are saying that Cousins will have a new team before the February 2016 trade deadline. A Cousins trade could happen as early as next month.
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The Kings currently have a standing of 4 wins and 7 losses. With a new head coach and PG Darren Collison enjoying significant minutes, rumors say the Kings need to step up within their next couple of games if they are to prevent a major roster change up.
So far, Cousins has a 2016-17 NBA season average of 26.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Despite these outstanding numbers, the All-Star has had some issues with his team in terms of violating policies, having altercations with referees and undermining coaches.
Even Shaquille O'Neal had this to say about Cousins: "In the previous years, he's been hot-headed, he hasn't shown great leadership qualities yet. He hasn't shown those leadership qualities, and that's why I'm hearing talk that if things don't start to become correct, they may be looking to go in a different direction."
Among the teams that are interested in acquiring Cousins, Matt Connolly of Forbes.com says the Houston Rockets and the Boston Celtics are the ones that have the most reasonable shot at acquiring him because both teams need a great center in their roster, and also because their cap space is flexible enough to acquire him.
2. Jimmy Butler to Minnesota Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler and Jerian Grant of the Chicago Bulls are rumored to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins.
The Bulls and the Timberwolves have made significant changes during the off-season that, at least on paper, seemed geared towards improving both teams considerably. Chicago acquired two stars in Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, while Minnesota acquired one of the best rookies this season in Kris Dunn.
However, it seems that both teams are off to a not-so-ideal start with Chicago having a standing of 6 wins and 4 losses while Minnesota has a losing 3-6 standing.
Perhaps the rumored trade could improve the chances of both teams. The Bulls could use the youth and athleticism of both Wiggins and Lavine, while Butler will provide immediate impact on the Wolves offense and defense.
Butler averages 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game this season.
