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NBA headlines were plagued by unconfirmed DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors recently though all of that has been shot down. Team owner Vivek Ranadive has time and again reiterated that “Boogie” is not up for trade despite the all-star center’s inability to lead the team to a playoff berth.

Speaking of Ranadive, he reportedly aspired to build a “Big Three” of his own. His version would have seen DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, and Russell Westbrook, ESPN reported. The Kings already had Cousins and Gay at the time but snagging Westbrook is obviously a long shot. Westbrook would have been a curious and prized addition had the Kings made a tempting offer. But as most know by now, the do-it-all all-star guard has committed long-term to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For Ranadive, the thought could still be in mind though he may have to make some changes. Rudy Gay, currently out for the season, initially said that he would not be returning to Sacramento Kings. After incurring a ruptured Achilles (via NBA.com), the 30-year-old forward may eventually pick up the player option with other teams unlikely to dangle him a more lucrative deal.

Looking ahead, the Kings can theoretically target other younger players who could be free agents soon. Ranadive holds only one piece for now so eyes may be on the rising stars of other teams. If not, the Kings owner could look into the possibility of bringing in Eric Bledsoe (Phoenix Suns) and John Wall (Washington Wizards) to form a Kentucky Wildcats triumvirate.

Right now, the Kings continue to struggle with their guard problems still an issue. Westbrook would have been more than perfect but that is all water under the bridge. Looking ahead, the Kings may want to skim the 2017 NBA Draft or the upcoming free agents. A “Big Three” dreams are still plausible if Ranadive pulls the right strings.