Report: George Karl controls Kings’ personnel, wants Ty Lawson, willing to move DeMarcus Cousins

Shortly after hiring George Karl, the Kings traded for Andre Miller, Karl’s point guard the Nuggets.

That might not be the last roster move Karl inspires in Sacramento.

Pete D’Alessandro, who worked with Karl in Denver, is still the Kings’ general manager. But Karl might have usurped some control and could use it to acquire Ty Lawson – or even trade DeMarcus Cousins.

Howard Beck of Bleacher Report:

Sources say Karl would love to acquire Ty Lawson—if the rebuilding Nuggets were to make him available—or any other members of his last Nuggets team, which won 57 games in 2012-13. Karl wants players who move the ball and push the tempo, and that could mean wild upheaval on the Kings roster. Even DeMarcus Cousins, their franchise center, is not untouchable, according to a source with insight into Karl’s thinking. “At the trade deadline, everyone was available,” the person said. Including Cousins? “Every single person (on the Kings roster) was available.” Although Karl does not hold a front office title, “he definitely has control” of future personnel decisions, the source said.

Lawson is reportedly available, and he might be unhappy in Denver. If the Nuggets get serious about dealing him, I’m sure many teams would be interested. Karl, certain he can succeed with Lawson, might be willing to offer most in a trade.

Cousins is a different story. Just because the Kings are willing to trade him doesn’t mean they will – or even come close. He’s a young star, and it would be difficult for other teams to give Sacramento fair return. They’ll surely try, though.

The most significant aspect of this report might be Karl’s influence in roster-building. They Kings have obviously made a large commitment to Karl, and if that extends beyond just coaching, it could have a huge affect on the franchise. Karl doesn’t necessarily share the same opinion on the players D’Alessandro has acquired, and that could mean a pretty big roster shakeup.