Over the years, DeMarcus Cousins to the Boston Celtics has become a popular rumor to recycle. But in order for him to end up in Beantown, the Sacramento Kings and Celtics actually need to hold trade talks.
Which, apparently, they have not.
Earlier this week, Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops reported that the Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat were substantially interested in prying Boogie out of Sacramento. According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald (h/t ProBasketballTalk), however, Boston has no recollection of said interest:
We suggest holding off on DeMarcus Cousins to Boston rumors until the teams have at least, you know, one conversation about it… None yet.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) December 16, 2015
But this is only one respected reporter refuting the latest hearsay, and everyone knows you need at least two before the rejection of hot rumors becomes a thing.
And wouldn’t you know it, Sam Amick of USA Today followed Bulpett’s lead, officially making this a thing:
Was told this as well. Kings' Vlade Divac indicated phones not ringing off hook, nor is Cousins going anywhere https://t.co/wp4OJc5aCA
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 16, 2015
To be clear, the Celtics can be interested in DeMarcus Cousins without having engaged in extensive negotiations. But more than half the league is bound to have that level of “interest” in Cousins. He is the best center in the game when healthy, and there are very few franchises who could legitimately say they have no need for someone of his caliber.
The difference between the Celtics and everyone else: They have the assets to actually make a trade seem feasible, even if only from the outside.
Team president Danny Ainge has done a phenomenal job stockpiling picks and prospects and enticing contracts. So if the Kings ever actually decide to move Cousins, you can bet the Celtics will be No. 1 on their speed dial.
For now, though, it doesn’t appear that either side is reaching out or, by default, listening to the other. And unless that changes, Cousins’ uniform won’t.
