The Boston Celtics have been linked to a trade involving DeMarcus Cousins for the better part of a year. When Rajon Rondo was originally thought to be available prior to the 2014 season, the Sacramento Kings liked the idea of a trade and Boston requested Cousins in return. The deal was denied, but the interest in the center is still there. However, according to the Sacramento front office, Cousins is not available.
During the NBA Draft Lottery, Kings' general manager Vlade Divac told the media that Cousins is untradeable. According to CBSSports.com, Divca said any deal for the center is not happening as Cousins is viewed as a strong piece to build around.
"Well I think coach [Karl] kind of stepped it up further than he should," Divac said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. "Of course, everybody has their opinion, but right now, if we're talking about today, yeah, DeMarcus is untradeable. He's a guy who we're going to try to build around and see where he's going to take us."
The Celtics are targeting defense as their biggest need so where will the team turn if Cousins really is not an option? According to A.Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, Boston will try and trade up in the NBA Draft for Willie Cauley-Stein which could require getting into the top five picks. The New York Knicks have been linked to Cauley-Stein and they hold the No. 4 pick. The Celtics must determine just how much they are invested in a rookie taking over the defense next season.
There are free agent options available as the Celtics have the money to acquire them. MassLive.com is reporting Boston could show significant interest in DeAndre Jordan if he does not return to the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Doc Rivers made it clear they are offering Jordan a max deal, but if he declines the Celtics will have to offer a max contract as well which will only be four years compared to the five-year deal the Clippers can give him.
The Oregonian believes that LaMarcus Aldridge is a priority for the Celtics, but competition is very high for the forward. It was rumored that the Celtics would try and sign Wes Matthews as incentive for Aldridge to join. Boston has a lot of defensive options in front of them including signing either Marc Gasol or Greg Monroe. If a draft trade is denied, expect the team to look in free agency.
