After four trying seasons with the Sacramento Kings, Tyreke Evans – once touted as the franchise player of the team – was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday in a three-team deal that also sent Greivis Vasquez to the Kings, while Robin Lopez went to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Despite having a historically-good rookie season – at least by the numbers – Evans was never able to improve in the subsequent years. In fact, he mostly regressed season after season and the Kings never won more than 28 games with him at the helm. A change was in order for both Evans and the team, given earlier reports prior to the trade that the Kings would choose to let him walk away if he signs a substantial offer sheet, which he agreed to do with the Pelicans. So things end on a bit of a sour note, but it didn’t stop Evans from sharing this humbling tweet:
Just got back to Sac. I had a great 4 years here. The Kings fans are amazing i will never forget you. Alot of memories. Thank you all!
— Tyreke Evans (@TyrekeEvans) July 5, 2013
Evans is still just 23 and has plenty of time to figure out who he will be in the league, but it remains unclear what exactly his role will be with the Pelicans, given that starting shooting guard Eric Gordon is still with the team.
The trade also ends his time with the talented-but-troublesome center DeMarcus Cousins. The two never seemed to have any issues with each other, but also never developed much chemistry either as they tried to figure out who the go-to guy was in the offense. Here is what Cousins had to say to his three-year teammate:
Wishing my brother @TyrekeEvans nothing but the best and a long healthy career! — demarcus cousins (@boogiecousins) July 5, 2013
Tweet of the Night: John Wall congratulates Eric Bledsoe
What a couch you are Chris anything for people to notice you… How was that a tweet of the night you simpleton.