National Basketball Association

Vlade Divac on Cousins trade: Winning begins with culture and character matters

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:33 a.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI Wire/Sports Illustrated

Vlade Divac had no problem letting his true feelings show regarding the DeMarcus Cousins trade to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Cousins and Omar Cassipi were traded on Sunday night in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and two draft picks,

“It was time for a change and I decided this was the best direction for the organization,” said Divac. “Winning begins with culture and character matters. With the upcoming draft class set to be one of the strongest in the decade, this trade will allow us to build the depth needed for a talented and developing roster moving forward. We thank DeMarcus for his contributions and wish him all the best in New Orleans. The fans in Sacramento are the best in the world and we are all committed to building a team that will continue to make Sacramento proud.”

Earlier in the month, Divac said that Cousins was not going to be traded and “We hope he's here for a long time.” Divac and Cousins also met to assure him that there would be no trade.

Cousins has one year remaining on his current contract and can become a free agent in the summer of 2018. New Orleans is optimistic in their chances of signing him to an extension.

In his Monday press conference, Divac said the Kings had a better offer for Cousins two days ago but the decision to move him came recently, according to Aaron Bruski of hoop-ball.com. He went to New Orleans with the understanding that Cousins would be traded.

Cousins is averaging 27.8 points and 10.6 rebounds on the season.

The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday.