The Sacramento Kings are expected to entertain trade offers for either Rudy Gay or All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins between now and February's midseason trade deadline, according to Basketball Insiders writer Michael Scotto.
Scotto believes the Kings front-office will continue to gauge the trade market for Cousins, who continues to put up monster numbers (27.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game) in his sixth NBA season.
Many teams will try to snag the service of NBA's top big man, though they need first to satisfy the Kings' trade demand which consists of young players and lottery picks. As for Gay, Scotto believes the veteran wingman is the player more likely to be moved in the coming days, largely because he can opt out from his contact after this season.
"I expect Sacramento to look into Cousins' value on the trade market before the trade deadline, but it would take a lot to land arguably the league's most talented center. Rudy Gay will be on the trade block and the player whom Sacramento will look to move ideally.
-All eyes are now on the Minnesota Timberwolves to make their after a disappointing 5-10 start. Head coach and top executive Tom Thibodeau is reportedly eyeing a player familiar with his system."
-Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng emerge as the likely trade target. The question now is which player on the Wolves roster Thibodeau will likely use as a trade chip?
Scotto provided his insider's report on the situation:
"I think Minnesota will look to add veterans that are either proven bench guys or locker room mentors. Kevin Garnett, Andre Miller and Tayshaun Prince previously had a major influence on the growth of Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins.
I think Minnesota has a great young core in place and the team just needs time to continue learning Tom Thibodeau's defensive system. I could see Minnesota dangling Ricky Rubio as the trade deadline nears."
Rubio has been in and out of the trading block the past two seasons. And with the Wolves using the no.4 overall pick to select point guard Kris Dunn, switching uniforms for Rubio is imminent.
