By Sebastian Rothering
Lamp Staff
SPRINGFIELD — “I am absolutely shell-shocked. This changes everything in the Western Conference, ” said NBA fan Brandon Pearce.
DeMarcus Cousins is now a player for the Pelicans. Directly following Sunday’s all-star game, the Kings and Pelicans struck a deal to send the superstar to New Orleans. Many people consider this to be one of the worst trades in NBA history.
“The Pelicans committed a crime against the Kings with this highway robbery of a trade.” said Connor Nelson, a fan.
The entire trade included Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, a first-round and second-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft, going to Sacramento. The first-round pick is top three protected, but it will most likely be in the 13-18 range. This means if the pick is in the top three then New Orleans will get the pick, not Sacramento. New Orleans is receiving DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi in the trade.
The Pelicans last made the playoffs in 2015 and have never won the NBA championship.
Hield, as last year’s sixth overall pick, has been inconsistent numbers. Former rookie of the year and third overall pick, Evans, has had multiple knee injuries and is in his ninth season.
Those two players, with ongoing concerns, are being traded for Cousins. Cousins being a three time all-star, two-time all-NBA team and top 5 player in the league. Furthermore, New Orleans is getting a solid perimeter defender in Casspi.
It makes them a strong scoring threat with Anthony Davis and Cousins.
“This gives them the best one-two punch in the NBA,” said fan Kyle Kuntzman.
Most importantly, this could make New Orleans a very desirable location for marquee free agents. They now represent a solid chance to win a championship.
On the other side, Kings general manager, Pete D’Alessandro, said “we had a better offer on the table two days ago” leading to much animosity with the fans.
The Kings did not make the playoffs during Cousins’ stint on the team and have not since the 2006 season.
“The Kings are now the worst team in the NBA, talent wise,” said Dylan Law, an NBA fan.
The Kings are now banking on the hope that Hield will turn into the superstar player he was drafted to be. They are taking their chances in the draft hoping to strike gold with their selections.
“They better hope that Buddy works out and that they pick well.” said fan Scott Rothering.
It seems as if that New Orleans stole this trade, and, if it turns out like some think it will, then this could go down as the worst and most lopsided trade in NBA history.
Sebastian Rothering can be reached at [email protected].
