Sacramento Kings’ owner signaled to keep DeMarcus Cousins in the team. While Philadelphia 76ers may likely trade Nerlens Noel instead of Jahlil Okafor.
The Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is reported by CBS Sports that he doesn't want to trade away the team's franchise star. However, Ranadive is known for easily change his mind, therefore his decision this time may also change.
Cousins has never been in good term with the coaches. Furthermore since 2006 Sacramento Kings has switched coaches nine times. Even one of the best coach in the NBA, George Karl was unable to work with him.
During his tenure in the Kings for 2015-16 season, Karl was reported to try to trade Cousins to other team. But Ranadive rejected the idea. However, as the Kings performance continues to slump, speculation about Cousins trade rumor began to spread.
Rumor about Cousins trade circulated after his tandem, Rudy Gay announced to use his 2017 player option and becoming unrestricted free agent in September. Cousins signed a 4 year contract extension with the Kings in 2013 which means he will become free agent in 2018.
Cousins is considered the Kings best player nowadays.,One of his stellar performance is when he scored 37 points in a 122-105 victory over Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 27, as can be seen below from NBA channel:
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Noel is also rumored to be traded according to Bleacher Report. The 76ers management is rumored to consider trading him instead of Okafor.
The Philadelphia 76ers currently have overcrowded frontcourt in their roster. They have three starting centers which musy compete for playing time, Noel, Okafor and Joel Embiid.
Rumor about the trade of Noel or Okafor have been circulating since last season. Moreover, as the team selected Ben Simmons in the 2016 NBA Draft, and signed two-time All-Star player Elton Brand the 76ers have an overloaded big men.
One of the solution for the Philadelphia 76ers is to move one of the center between Noel and Okafor. It seems that the management leaned to trade Noel. Nevertheless, 76ers will look for a high value as Noel was a high draft pick, when the 76ers selected him as sixth overall in 2013.
Watch how Noel complains about the situation in the 76ers below: