The Sacramento Kings, from owner Vivek Ranadive to newly-installed president of basketball operations Vlade Divac, continue to insist that DeMarcus Cousins is not available via trade.
But with rumors swirling and reports discussing an allegedly fractured relationship between Cousins and head coach George Karl -- and with Cousins not-so-cryptically confirming that an issue does indeed exist -- teams are going to continue to come calling with offers.
The Celtics are among them, and though GM Danny Ainge has already been shot down at least once, he’s expected to continue to keep trying to pry Cousins away right on through Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Greg Dickerson of CSNNE.com (via Jay King at MassLive):
Boston has stockpiled a ridiculous amount of draft picks precisely for a moment like this, when a disgruntled All-Star in a bad situation is on the verge of forcing his way out. The problem, though, is that Sacramento under George Karl wants to win now, and would rather have productive veterans in return in order to make a playoff push as early as next season.
The Kings can continue their public stance that Cousins isn’t up for grabs, and it’s the smart way to play things to receive the most lucrative trade offers possible. But whether it’s true or it isn’t, those offers will continue to roll in until draft night is finished, and it appears as though the Celtics will be continue to be aggressive in trying to get something done.