DeMarcus Cousins’ name has once again been thrust into the NBA’s rumor mill as the Sacramento Kings (7-11) continues to be mired in mediocrity through 18 games this season. The Washington Wizards (6-10), who have had major struggles of their own, have seen its starting point guard’s name floated around in trade rumors of their own. On Monday, DeMarcus Cousins told Candace Buckner of the Washington Post that the possibility of reuniting with his college teammate has come up during conversations with his fellow Kentucky Wildcat.
As noted by Buckner, DeMarcus Cousins admitted that he and John Wall “talk constantly” and said that “It’s came up,” when asked if the two ever thought of playing together in the NBA. The two All-Stars played one season together for the Kentucky Wildcats, leading the prestigious program to an SEC title and an Elite Eight appearance. It’s important to note, though, that DeMarcus Cousins won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2018, while John Wall is tied up to the Washington Wizards through 2019.
Multiple reports have stated that league officials believe the versatile big man could be traded as early as December, with one Western Conference executive telling Sam Amico that he thinks the chances of DeMarcus Cousins being traded this season is “50-50.” “They try to act like they would never ever trade him, but why not? That team stinks. Thay have since (Cousins) got there,” another GM reportedly said.
As for John Wall, Bleacher Report noted that during the offseason, the three-time All-Star was quoted saying that he and teammate Bradley Beal “have a tendency to dislike each other on the court.” Following a playoff run two seasons ago, the Washington Wizards took a step back last year, going 41-41 and missing the postseason. This year, the Washington Wizards have started even worse with a 6-10 record.
