Kings wanted Devin Booker at trade deadline

Give Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac credit. He’s not afraid to pull back the curtain. He’s transparent even when it’s unwise. Maybe we need more Vlades.

Sunday Blic Sport, a European media outlet, published an interview in which Divac described his efforts to acquire Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, Los Angeles Lakers guard Brandon Ingram, and Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic at last week’s NBA trade deadline.

“There was no way that we (could get) Jokic. I wanted him, but (Denver refused). I tried to get Booker in Phoenix, and Ingram from the Lakers but there was no chance. I wanted to start from the beginning and I think that’s for the best.”

Ultimately, Divac sent DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a first round pick and a second round pick. It was a move widely panned by those with internet access.

Divac’s doubling down, though. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee last week, he made it clear, totally clear, abundantly clear, and we should not let him forget, THAT HE WILL QUIT HIS JOB, if this doesn’t work out.

“That’s my job, and I take responsibility. And I totally understand why some fans would be upset. They supported DeMarcus, and I like DeMarcus a lot. But I believe we are going to be in a better position in two years. I want to hear again from these same people in two years. If I’m right, great. If I’m wrong, I’ll step down. But if I go down, I’m going down my way.”

Vlade quits, Vlade’s fired, Kings are in the playoffs. What happens first? Get your bets in now.