Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Sacramento Kings have said there’s no way they’re parting with franchise power forward DeMarcus ‘Boogie’ Cousins, but head coach George Karl, an NBA veteran with over 1,000 wins to his name, apparently doesn’t like the idea of an entire season with Boogie as his go-to guy. Karl coached the Kings for only 30 games last year and the amount of sway he has with the front office is debatable. It appears, however, that Sacramento has reached an unenviable situation in which their star player or their newly hired coach must go.
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I’ll admit, the likelihood of Cousins leaving Sactown is slim. He made the All-NBA Second Team this year and is the Kings fastest way back to relevance. But if the window is open for him to make his exit, even just a crack, the Boston Celtics must pounce. A true franchise cornerstone becoming available is rare, and the Celtics have the assets to make a deal happen.
They can offer up two first round picks in this years draft, and also have four potential first round picks in 2016. In terms of players, there are a few capable of sparking interest. Marcus Smart, the 6th pick from a year ago, proved himself more than capable of playing defensive at an NBA level and showed flashes on offense as well. Kelly Olynyk is an intriguing big who can stretch the floor. Forward Gerald Wallace has a big expiring contract that could be appealing as well.
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The Celtics can’t necessarily offer the Kings equal value for their All-Star forward, but if Sacramento is desperate enough to move him they won’t have to. Boogie is just 24, and still on his rookie contract. Boston has more than enough cap room to offer him a max deal and hopefully a coach in Brad Stevens that can get the best out of him.
Cousins appears to like Sacramento, but more than anything he’s looking for stability. The Kings have had four different coaches since 2012 and don’t seem secure in their current situation with Karl. Honestly, they’re better off letting him go and moving forward with Cousins and a coach he approves of. But if they don’t and Cousins looks for an out, Boston could be a destination. With the NBA draft coming up on Thursday, stay tuned for a resolution sooner rather than later.