DeMarcus Cousins traded to Pelicans

While everyone was enjoying the action during the 2017 NBA All-Star game in New Orleans, team front offices were also busy behind the scenes. The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans reached an agreement on what would be the biggest trade so far in the 2016-17 season. The Pelicans are set to receive All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins and Israeli swingman, Omri Casspi. In exchange, the Kings will get rookie Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a top-three protected first-round pick.

The move comes as a surprise to many. In the hours leading up to the announcement, reports were coming out from Cousins’ representation that they were being assured by the Kings management that DeMarcus was not going to be traded. Obviously, New Orleans is hoping to be able to sign Cousins to a long-term deal over the off-season but given that he can opt out of the last year of his contract, the ball will be entirely in Cousins’ court.

Assuming the deal pushes through, and so far everything indicates that it will, the Pelicans will get to pair two of the most talented and dominant big men in the World in Cousins and All-Star MVP, Anthony Davis. Both will form a “Twin Tower” combo of the most talented and imposing frontcourt in the league.