NBA Rumors: Omer Asik to be Traded, DeMarcus Cousins Going to Boston Celtics

By Neal A. Lasta, CP Contributor Wednesday, December 14, 2016

With the way Kings C Demarcus Cousins performed last season, scouts are taking notice. | WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The following are the latest trade rumors for the 2016-17 NBA regular season involving two centers; one struggling to make waves, while the other arguably at the peak of his career.

1. Omer Asik to be Traded

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently struggling early this 2016-17 NBA regular season. They currently have a standing of 8 wins and 8 losses, placing them at 13^{th place in the Western Conference. Only two teams have a poorer record so far: the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks.}

This is despite the fact that Anthony Davis has a career season, averaging 30.5 points (his best in his 5-year career), 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.8 blocks per game.

It seems clear that the roster needs to change, and according to the latest rumors the player that is most likely to be traded is their center Omar Asik.

Asik signed a 5-year contract worth around $58 million last July 2015, but he hasn't performed well this season. He is just averaging 3.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game.

Omer Asik could attract many teams though, as he is a good rebounder and is a tall center at 7 feet. He also has a solid interior defense. Many teams, including the Boston Celtics, would want Asik's skill set in their roster.

2. DeMarcus Cousins to Boston Celtics

DeMarcus Cousins is involved in yet another trade rumor; this time, with the Boston Celtics.

Cousins is an extremely talented center, perhaps the most talented in the league today. He is averaging 28.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game this season.

The Sacramento Kings star's talent is undeniable, yet he has shown time and again that he is difficult to coach. Capped with the Kings dismal record of 9 wins and 15 losses (which actually puts them just one spot away from a playoff roster), and the fact that the Kings haven't made the playoffs in the longest time, it makes sense that Cousins has been on the trading block for quite some time now.

According to Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics, "If [Cousins] came to Boston, that would be good, really good... When I was with him, I didn't back down. I'm a point guard and that was my job. No matter if we did or didn't get along off the court, on that court we were going to get along, and I was going to hold him accountable."

If a trade involving Cousins and the Celtics pushes through, then his presence in Boston will definitely elevate the team's front court talent. Cousins can solve Boston's frontcourt scoring and rebounding problems singlehandedly. Moreover, he would play alongside Thomas, his former teammate, and a great coach in Brad Stevens who may have what it takes to tame the talented center.