NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Offer DeMarcus Cousins Trade; Kyrie Irving Recruits Olympics Teammate

By Mitch de Leon
Team USA
Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA guard Kevin Durant (5) speaks with center DeMarcus Cousins (left) and guard Kyrie Irving (right) before game action against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center.  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Cousins is expected to take less money to win more courtesy of a Cleveland Cavaliers trade offered to him this offseason, according to reports. With the Sacramento Kings looking like a sinking ship in the past months due to the exit of Rajon Rondo, who is now with the Chicago Bulls alongside Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, and an impending Rudy Gay trade, the center is said to be poised to join Rio Olympics 2016 teammate Kyrie Irving in the LeBron James team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers barely made any ripples this offseason as the 2015-16 NBA champions, who took the title from underneath the Golden State Warriors despite the incredible performances of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, are anticipated to make a huge announcement soon. If the reports are to be believed, this big change in their lineup has something to do with the DeMarcus Cousins trade. With the Sacramento Kings anticipated to be undergoing a rebuild, letting go of the center now instead of simply letting him walk away is considered the best option.

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The idea of a DeMarcus Cousins trade has been widespread since last season. The young center, who is known for his explosive and emotional outbursts in the hardwood court, had been known to express his frustration over the way the Sacramento Kings is being handled. Despite the talent in their roster, such as Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay, the NBA team continues to be underdogs in the league. Rumors are rife that the big man has had enough of this reputation, thereby giving birth to the DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors now circulating the league.

"They're fooling themselves if they think he's sticking around," shared a league executive of DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings. He added, "The good news for them is his value will always be high. There isn't a point of no return in which you're not getting high value for him. Teams will bid against each other in the trade market. Maybe [Cousins] doesn't go for the biggest money in free agency but you'd love to have that card to play."

The Cleveland Cavaliers rumors indicate that a DeMarcus Cousins trade could be in the works. Given the fact that the Sacramento Kings star might not be out for more cash, the LeBron James squad could pursue him and initially offer a minimum contract. With the incredible desire of the center to finally win games, the deal might need no hard sell in the part of the Kyrie Irving team.

It must be noted, though, that the move of DeMarcus Cousins to the Cleveland Cavaliers is still considered an NBA rumor. Without any official confirmation from any of the parties involved, the possibility remains unconfirmed. Apart from the LeBron James team, speculations also point to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat as potential landing spots for DeMarcus Cousins.

ALSO READ: Miami Heat Announce DeMarcus Cousins Trade; Hassan Whiteside Feuds With New C?

"The best thing for him is that even if you have to step back and you win, what that feeling is. Now chase that feeling. Chase that feeling in Sacramento," advised John Calipari to DeMarcus Cousins after the latter helped Team USA win the gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Kentucky coach added, "It means you may have to add a couple more pieces and those pieces may, at certain games, they may be the dominant player and you have to be able to accept that. He's proven by playing at Kentucky that he can do that, and now playing on the Olympic team. He can do that."

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