The NBA trade rumor mill could start spinning once free agency dies down and DeMarcus Cousins could once again be a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers if they miss out on LaMarcus Aldridge and this comes as players like Roy Hibbert, Ty Lawson, David Lee, Nick Young, Kenneth Faried, Rudy Gay, Eric Bledsoe, Ricky Rubio and Brandon Jennings could be traded this summer.
There have been some small trades with Marcus Morris and Nik Stauskas changing teams this summer, but so far nothing major or league changing. A week ago it appeared that Cousins could be traded by the Kings after trade rumors emerged with the Lakers, but the team came out and said they were not shopping Cousins. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, the teams discussed a framework about a deal, but it did not come close to getting done.
--UPDATE: "Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahoo: Yahoo Sources: As Lakers work to clear cap space to sign free agents and absorb HIbbert, Nick Young is a strong candidate to be unloaded."
--UPDATE: LaMarcus Aldridge has decided to sign with the Spurs. The Lakers could look back at Cousins in a trade or Roy Hibbert, while other free agents like Kosta Koufos could be an option. UPDATE 2: the Lakers and Pacers are working on a deal for Roy Hibbert per Marc Stein at ESPN.
The Kings reportedly want D'Angelo Russell and the Lakers will not give him up, although Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson could be in play. The Lakers like will not try and work on a Cousins trade again unless Aldridge signs with another team. The Kings are going hard after Rajon Rondo after missing out on Wesley Matthews and they cleared cap space in a trade with the Sixers.
Ramona Shelburne at ESPN reports that the Lakers likely would call the Kings again about DeMarcus Cousins to see if they would re-engage in talks if they miss on the big name free agents. Shelburne reports that this time around the Lakers would not consider trading Russell in a deal. The Kings also have Rudy Gay and could consider moving him if the team misses out on free agents and wants to acquire another player. The Kings could be interested in Ty Lawson and if they do not sign Rajon Rondo he could be a target.
George Karl looks like he is staying with the Kings and he could be interested in bringing in his former point guard from the Denver Nuggets. Karl reportedly wanted to bring in Kenneth Faried and Lawson in a deal with the Nuggets around the draft, but the teams did not come close to making a deal. The Warriors have been working this offseason to trade David Lee and the Knicks, Lakers and Celtics have emerged as options for him.
Check here for more on DeMarcus Cousins and the Lakers.
Roy Hibbert could end up as a target for the Lakers, Knicks or Dallas Mavericks depending on how free agency plays out. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers could look at a deal if they miss out on LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan and Robin Lopez, while the Mavericks also could be interested. ESPN Dallas reports that if the Mavs don't sign Jordan, the team could explore a deal with the Pacers. The Pacers agreed to a deal with Monta Ellis and sides could work out a sign and trade.
Lawson could be a target for other teams after the Nuggets drafted Emmanuel Mudiay and he said on social media that he was "going to Sacramento" after the pick was made. While that doesn't mean a trade will happen, the Nuggets are in transition and he has had some issues on and off the court in Denver. Lawson played well under Karl in Denver and could be a solid option for the Kings if they miss on Rondo.
