NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Offer Jahlil Okafor Trade; DeMarcus Cousins Trade Opens Up New Need For Young C

Feb 22, 2017 07:13 AM EST

The Sacramento Kings now face the biggest backlash thus far in NBA history following their alleged botched DeMarcus Cousins trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Since Boogie has been widely considered as an elite player in the league, many believe that the team was underpaid in the negotiations. However, the Sacramento Kings might just have a trick up their sleeve to possibly salvage their reputation in the NBA.

Reports point to a Jahlil Okafor trade that the Sacramento Kings are said to be working on since the NBA season started. Since it has been no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have an influx of big men, it was only a matter of time before the Joel Embiid team gets rid of either Nerlens Noel or the Duke alum. So far, the name of Jahlil Okafor seems to be getting more attention in terms of trade offers in the league.

Prior to the DeMarcus Cousins trade, the Sacramento Kings were not even in the running for the Sixers big man. However, the exit of the All-Star veteran appears to have paved the way for a Jahlil Okafor trade. Rumors are rife that the Sacramento Kings can finally offer the one thing that the sophomore star wants badly at the moment: more minutes in the hardwood court.

"[The Sacramento Kings] can offer more minutes and more opportunities for [Jahlil Okafor] now," revealed David Aldridge of the NBA trade rumors surrounding the Sixers star.

Many fans think that this move makes a lot of sense for the Sacramento Kings. After all, the front office admitted that the DeMarcus Cousins trade was done in an effort to rebuild their team. That is, the group wants a fresh start - one that is free from drama and frustration. To date though, no official comment has been given by any of the parties concerned.

Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Sacramento Kings fans following the announcement of his exit from the team. In an Instagram post, the newly minted New Orleans Pelicans star thanked the "most amazing fans on the planet" and promised that they will all remain close to his heart.

"As I look back upon my time here, I wouldn't trade it for anything," shared DeMarcus Cousins in his social media post. He further said, "I don't just consider you all as fans, you all are my family...and a couple thousand miles aren't going to change a thing."