The 2017 NBA trade deadline is shaping up to be an active one as the Sacramento Kings have decided to send superstar center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cousins will join fellow Kentucky-alum Anthony Davis in what has to be the league’s most formidable frontcourt. The trade was announced just hours after New Orleans hosted the 2017 NBA All-Star game, making the night an enormous one for the city.
In return for Cousins and forward Omri Casspi, Sacramento will receive rookie guard Buddy Hield, veteran swingman (and former King) Tyreke Evans, guard Langston Galloway, and a 2017 first and second round pick. The trade was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:
Sacramento has agreed to trade DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, league source tells @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 20, 2017
Deal with the Pels includes guard Buddy Hield, and a 2017 first-round pick to the Kings for Cousins, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 20, 2017
Sources: New Orleans is also sending the Kings a 2017 second-round pick (via Philadelphia) and Tyreke Evans in deal, league sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 20, 2017
The Pelicans are including guard Langston Galloway in deal to the Kings, who'll likely be waived, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 20, 2017
It’s a shocking move for Sacramento, as the return seems light for a player who is arguably the best center in the NBA. However, Cousins’ trade value was somewhat deflated by the fact that he will be a free agent after next season. The Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly interested in making a trade for Cousins but balked at the prospect of including rookie Brandon Ingram in the deal.
The NBA trade deadline will pass on Thursday at 12 p.m. Pacific Time, and it’s anyone’s guess what other deals may go down between now and then.
