The Sacramento Kings are trying to become relevant again, and it appears they are committed to building around DeMarcus Cousins. That much was clear when they gave the All-Star center a four-year, $62 million maximum contract extension before the start of the 2013-2014 season, and it is still reportedly the case despite all of the organizational changes since then. From CSN Bay Area's Bill Herenda:
The Kings want to make a playoff run next season with DeMarcus Cousins as the centerpiece of the franchise, league sources told CSNCalifornia.com.
This is a story because the Boston Celtics are in search of a star and are reportedly targeting Cousins. If he becomes disgruntled and ends up on the trade market, the Kings would surely have many interested parties. For Sacramento, though, as long as he's not demanding a trade, there's no reason to shop him. Cousins averaged career highs of 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season, and has improved immensely as a defender.
Next year, with head coach George Karl running his first Kings training camp, should be considered a fresh start for the franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since squeezing in as the eighth seed in 2006 under Rick Adelman. Karl is Sacramento's eighth coach since then, and the front office should be trying to build a team that fits with his philosophy. Everything should be on the table, but Cousins shouldn't go anywhere. He's under contract until the 2017-2018 season, and players with his talent aren't exactly easy to find.
The whole "playoff run" thing, though? Next season seems like a stretch.
