Sacramento Kings’ head coach George Karl wants to make some player changes to the team lineup but the problem is that he is not being given the free hand to do so.
The player that first comes to mind is of course DeMarcus Cousins who has had a close relationship with former coach Michael Malone who is now the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets.
Cousins has been the subject of various trade rumors, most of which stem from the fact that he is not getting along well with Karl. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in the power forward though the management is standing firm on its decision to keep Cousins in the lineup.
However, the latest on the Kings planned player movement seems to be radiating as well. Now the focus has turned on to Rudy Gay, someone who recently inked a 3-year extension worth $40 million. The said deal will start in the coming 2015-16 NBA season.
Why trade Gay? He has been reliable and despite that hefty contract could draw suitors if there is one who would be interested in instigating a transaction with the Kings.
Gay is a proven wingman who can explode on any night and the only reason that could perhaps make sense as far as trading the 28-year-old small forward is that of clearing up some cap space for new talent.
One player in mind is upcoming free agent Rajon Rondo who is expected to leave the Dallas Mavericks.
Rondo is of course closely associated with the Los Angeles Lakers since he and Kobe Bryant talked about teaming up back in December.
However, it should be noted that the Lakers did say that they would get Rondo only if his asking price is reasonable. With that said, there is still no certainty of Rondo wearing the purple and gold uniform next season.
For the Kings, there is reportedly mutual interest between Rondo and the team. The thing is, would it be wise to insert Rondo and would he be blending in with George Karl’s system?
It will be recalled that one of the reasons why Rondo is leaving the Mavericks is because of the celebrated verbal altercation with head coach Rick Carlisle.
Karl is no angel as well, so what if the two reach that boiling point as well? Would it not be adding more heat into the Kings squad considering Karl has enough problems with Cousins (assuming he does stay on with the Kings)?