![The Kings have traded All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. [Image via Flickr Creative Commons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/2/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/the-kings-have-traded-all-star-demarcus-cousins-to-the-new-orleans-pelicans-image-via-flickr-creative-commons_1158737.jpg "The Kings have traded All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. [Image via Flickr Creative Commons]")
The DeMarcus Cousins Pelicans jersey has yet to go on sale, but fans in New Orleans are already buzzing for the arrival of another All-Star big man to the lineup. Just minutes after the conclusion of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, also in New Orleans, it was reported that Cousins was being traded to the Pelicans. In exchange, the Sacramento Kings are getting three Pelicans' players and future draft picks, to begin their rebuilding project. Here's a look at the latest deal and how it may improve the roster.
Cousins to Pelicans, 3 players to Kings
In Sunday night's All-Star game, Cousins came off the bench for just a few minutes of game action.
In his limited time on the court he managed to score three points, but the game was really a highlight-fest for the West's Russell Westbrook and Cousins' new teammate, Anthony Davis. The Pelicans' All-Star center finished with a record 52 points to break an all-time record for the game set by Wilt Chamberlain in the early 60's.
Just before midnight Eastern Time, various sources including The Vertical and ESPN reported the news that DeMarcus Cousins was officially being traded. In exchange for Cousins, the Kings will receive rising star Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and Langston Galloway. Additionally, the Kings are getting future first and second round picks from the Pelicans. It's clearly time to rebuild, which could also mean Sacramento's Rudy Gay will be on the move as well.
The Pels have agreed to trade Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and future first- and second-round pick for DeMarcus Cousins, sources say
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 20, 2017
The Pelicans frontcourt
New Orleans now gains the services of a second All-Star caliber player for the paint. Cousins had been mentioned in NBA trade rumors for weeks, heading everywhere from the Phoenix Suns to Los Angeles Lakers.
However, it appears the Pelicans have some sort of plan going forward. Is it possible the move was made to lure another player to New Orleans? Russell Westbrook certainly put on a show in front of the fans last night, which may have been his audition for the future.
It's also possible the Pelicans will be looking to trade one of the two big men come draft time in order to land a high pick.
Or, they may simply believe that with a frontcourt featuring two great stars, they'll be able to contend in the Western Conference with the likes of Golden State and San Antonio.
Cousins brings his 2016-17 season averages of 27.8 points, 10.6 boards, and 1.3 blocks per game to the lineup which already features All-Star MVP Anthony Davis. The Pelicans star is averaging a double-double as well, with 27.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks a contest, making for a powerful combo in the New Orleans front court.
Stay tuned, as the NBA trade deadline arrives Thursday, so more big moves may arrive to shock fans.
