DeMarcus Cousins Thanks City of Sacramento, Kings Hint At Centers’ Character Issues

Newly-acquired DeMarcus Cousins arrived in New Orleans Tuesday to join the Pelicans after the Sacramento Kings finalized the blockbuster trade. After tearing up during Monday’s send-off party, DeMarcus Cousins took to social media to express his love for the city of Sacramento.

“Words can’t even express how hard it is for me to have to leave the city of Sacramento and all of the amazing people that I have met while out here,” DeMarcus Cousins wrote in an Instagram post. “As I look back upon my time here, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Cousins added. As noted by Ball Don’t Lie, the volatile big man was similarly emotional during a send-off party in Sacramento, having to visibly push back tears before proclaiming his love for the city.

Words can't even express how hard it is for me to have to leave the city of Sacramento and all of the amazing people that I have met while out here. I gave it my all for you and you gave it right back. The most amazing fans on the planet and I just want you to know that your support has meant everything to me. It's hard to believe that it was seven years ago that this young kid from Alabama showed up in Sacramento scared and not knowing a soul. As I look back upon my time here, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have met so many amazing people, many of whom went out of their way to make me feel right at home from day one. Each and every one of you have played such an important part in my life and helping me become the person I am today. 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. Thank you Sacramento. #LoyaltyisLove

A post shared by DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) on Feb 21, 2017 at 2:32pm PST

Interestingly, the Sacramento Kings have subtly hinted at some of the perceived issues about DeMarcus Cousins’ character. Speaking after finalizing the trade, Kings GM Vlade Divac said that he finally relented to trading the talented center because it was time for a change, adding that “winning begins with culture” and that “character matters.” As noted by SB Nation, Sacramento Kings play-by-play man Grant Napear was less diplomatic than Vlade Divac, firing a series of tweets where he called DeMarcus Cousins a “dark cloud” and said that the Kings were never going to win with the All-Star center. Throughout his career, DeMarcus Cousins has had a reputation for being a difficult character as a teammate. As noted by New England Sports Network, it was possible that the Boston Celtics – who has long eyed Cousins – took his history as a red flag, and ultimately decided not to try and trade for him.

Trading DMC was an absolute no brainer! There has been a dark cloud over this franchise for years! That cloud is now gone! — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) February 20, 2017

The Boston Celtics’ star point guard, Isaiah Thomas, played with DeMarcus Cousins during his time with the Sacramento Kings. During their brief partnership, rumors swirled that the two did not exactly get along on the court.