The New Orleans Pelicans initially discussed including an additional future first round pick in their trade offer to the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins.

New Orleans ultimately feared Cousins could leave in free agency in 2018 and instead offered their own first round pick this year as well as one they had previously acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers. Cousins' agent publicly warned teams about trading for Cousins in the moments leading up to the acquisition.

The Kings found the market for Cousins to be far more tepid than many might have imagined. While Cousins' talent is universally appreciated, many teams didn't want to deal with him regardless of the cost.

The Orlando Magic declined to give up any young players, while the Los Angeles Lakers didn't have draft picks to offer. The Phoenix Suns had no interest in trading Devin Booker and the Boston Celtics never entered the conversation at all.