Report: Celtics Plan on Targeting DeMarcus Cousins Via Trade

Danny Ainge expects the Celtics to have a busy summer, as he attempts to land the top-notch talent that could help turn his up-and-coming roster into a contender in the Eastern Conference.

One name that the Celtics have been rumored to have interest in over the past couple seasons is Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. According to a new report from Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Celtics are expected to target the big man once more this offseason.

Will they open their war chest of future draft picks to try to pry DeMarcus Cousins away from the Sacramento via trade? The early word out there is: Bank on it. Will they be in the mix for pretty much any name player who unexpectedly comes available in coming months? Bank on that, too.

Ainge spoke about his intentions of upgrading the top half of his roster at Thursday’s end-of-season press conference.

“We’re going to go after any and everybody that we think is a significant player to upgrade our talent,” Ainge said. “And when I say upgrade our talent, you’ve got to be pretty good to upgrade our talent, because we have good players. And so we’re going after all the top names on the list and we’ll see what happens.”

Cousins has three years remaining on his contract and posted a career-high in points (24.7) and rebounds (12.7) per game during a frustrating 2014-15 season for the Kings.

It’s doubtful the Kings will be looking to trade their franchise star, but if the 24-year-old has decided he’s had enough of a “circus” type atmosphere in Sacramento, look for the Celtics to try to pounce with their collection of draft picks and young talent.