A Royal Pain
Fansided

Kings: Vlade Divac’s Transactions, The Good And The Bad

By Anthony Cardenas

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 9: Vice president Vlade Divac of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 9: Vice president Vlade Divac of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DeMarcus Cousins
Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

GOOD: DeMarcus Cousins Trade

After what seemed like years of trade speculation surrounding the Kings and DeMarcus Cousins, Vlade and company finally pulled the trigger in February of 2017, trading him to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The package that they received in return for their franchise player was immediately ridiculed. Second-year player Buddy Hield, who had had an unimpressive rookie season, was the centerpiece of the package. It also included the Pelicans first-round pick in 2017, as well as Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a second-round pick.

Vlade Divac was mocked and laughed at. He seemed tired and lost in his press conference announcing the trade, and gave one of the worst possible answers to an interview question:

"“I had a better deal two days ago.”"

So why is this trade listed as a “good” transaction? Because as it turns out, the Sacramento Kings are the victors in this trade. Cousins was only able to continue is All Star-level production for another year before suffering a career-changing injury to his Achilles.

He has since experienced multiple different leg injuries. He injured his quad during Golden State’s playoff run last season before suffering a torn ACL just weeks after signing with the Lakers this past offseason. Within the last two weeks, Cousins a warrant issued for his arrest stemming from a domestic violence allegation.

The Kings seem to be the ones who won the trade in lopsided fashion, not the Pelicans. Sacramento has its core set and a promising future ahead. The Pelicans do too, but thanks only to the bounce of ping pong balls in the Draft Lottery.

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