On Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings mortgaged a good part of their future (at least in regards to draft picks) to the Philadelphia 76ers as they traded Carl Landry, Jason Thompson and draft picks along with Nik Stauskas, the 8th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft to the City of Brotherly Love.
The trade was made with the intentions for the Sacramento Kings to clear salary in pursuit of free agents like Wesley Matthews and Rajon Rondo, but perhaps there was another reason for the trade.
According to Michael K-B, the Kings traded Nik Stauskas to appease DeMarcus Cousins. Why is that you ask? Because Boogie Cousins apparently didn’t like Nik Stauskas very much.
Per source, the Kings were so willing to part w/ Stauskas because Demarcus Cousins didn’t get along w/ him. Kings trying to appease Cousins.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) July 2, 2015
Per source, Cousins was very tough on Stauskas all last year. Told Kings management he wouldn’t pass ball to Stauskas if on court together. — Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) July 2, 2015
In summary, Kings decision to part with Nik Stauskas had little to do with basketball ability #sixers
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) July 2, 2015
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of DeMarcus Cousins having an issue with a teammate as when he was younger, he and former Kings teammate Donte Greene were said to have a near physical spat. Still, take such with a grain of salt as it seems a little odd.
Update: Cousins posted a text message conversation between he and Nik Stauskas to say the report is not true.
These stories are getting ridiculous now ???? https://t.co/m5NtPEL9h1
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) July 2, 2015
UPDATE on DeMarcus Cousins trade:
Kings owner believes Sacramento has acquired the ‘next Steph Curry’ in Buddy Hield.
Kings Think They Traded DeMarcus Cousins For ‘The Next Steph Curry’
UPDATE TWO:
Kings GM Vlade Divac says Sacramento had better offer on table, but declined it:
Kings Admit They Had Better Trade Offer For DeMarcus Cousins But Declined
