Was the Sacramento Kings' DeMarcus Cousins Trade as Fair as It Appears?

The trade involving DeMarcus Cousins with the Sacramento Kings has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the team got as much as they could have. Let's delve into the details and explore the arguments for and against this trade.

DeMarcus Cousins' Contract and the Kings' Offer

DeMarcus Cousins was under contract with the Sacramento Kings until 2018. Given his long tenure with the team and the perceived financial benefits, it was likely that the Kings could have negotiated an extension for him. No other team could have matched the financial terms the Kings could offer.

Star Player Dynamics in Small Markets

For small-market teams like the Sacramento Kings, letting a star player leave without adding significant depth in return is a tough decision to justify. Typically, stars do not choose to sign with small market teams in free agency, and even then, the chances are slim.

Is the Relationship Between DeMarcus Cousins and the Team Toxic?

If the relationship between DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings was toxic and it was clear that he no longer wanted to be with the team, the trade might make more sense. However, there is currently no evidence to support this claim.

Indeed, many might speculate that Cousins would have been more valuable if he remained with the Kings and signed an extension. Extending Cousins would have tied up valuable salary cap space, but the Kings might have felt they were already committed to a dysfunctional relationship and decided against it.

Furthermore, with the undoubtedly deep pool of free agents available in 2018, such as Kevin Durant, Paul George, and others, the Kings might have believed that another year of dysfunction would not significantly boost Cousins' market value.

Would Buddy Hield Make a Star Player?

Another angle to consider is whether Buddy Hield's performance and potential could be a key factor in justifying the trade. Hield, while talented, would not immediately elevate the Kings to a superstar team. The question remains whether he could develop into the type of player who could lead the Kings to success.

The Kings may believe that developing Hield's potential could eventually pay off, but until then, the trade might be criticized for not securing better assets for the future.

Conclusion

The Sacramento Kings' decision to trade DeMarcus Cousins was complex and drew significant scrutiny. While there are arguments to be made in defense of the trade, especially if the relationship between Cousins and the team was indeed toxic, it remains unclear whether the Kings truly maximized their value in this deal.

The key takeaway is that small-market teams face unique challenges when making trades and losing valuable players. The Kings' decision might not appear as cut-and-dried as it seems on the surface, and further evidence might be needed to fully assess its fairness.