Reaction to the Kings' trade of DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans was swift and absolute, with NBA social media dog-piling the Kings organization for what's perceived as a poor return on their superstar player.
It wasn't just fans and media questioning the deal, however; "NBA 2K17," through its trade logic, provided its own evidence that the Kings didn't get nearly enough for Cousins.
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The Kings won't do this deal in NBA 2K17 pic.twitter.com/ERaK6TzVfq
— Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre) February 20, 2017
In franchise mode for "2K17," the Kings' GM refused the trade proposal of Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and first- and second-round picks in 2017 in exchange for Cousins and Omri Casspi. "The only way I accept a trade for him (Cousins) is if I'm blown away and this one doesn't do that," the virtual GM states.
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The real-life trade creates one of the best frontcourts in the NBA and in "2K17." Cousins is rated 93 Overall, which makes him the seventh-highest rated player in the game. He joins Anthony Davis, who is rated 94 Overall. Combined they are the second-highest rated pair of teammates in the league behind only Golden State's Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.