Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Kings want to make a playoff run next season with DeMarcus Cousins as the centerpiece of the franchise, league sources told CSNCalifornia.com.

The Celtics reportedly have significant interest in Cousins and are expected to utilize their bevy of draft picks to secure the 6-foot-11 center from Sacramento, according to an ESPN report.

CSN Bay Area:  Sources: Kings not interested in trading Cousins

I feel like I’m a nature show narrator talking about some weird animal mating ritual.

During rumor season, an intricate, beautiful dance plays out for days… sometimes weeks… as a potential trading pair determine if there’s mutual interest. As one potential partner makes a grandiose display of assets in an effort to entice, the other plays coy, seemingly disinterested in the proceedings. Experts believe the charade is a form of natural selection which weeds out the weakest suitors.

Who knows what the Kings really want to do. They may very well feel like they want to keep a talented 24 year-old big man with the skills to carry a franchise. Or… their completely new power structure might want to start completely fresh, and start with trading a way a… oh let’s be nice and call him fiery… young player with the ability to bring back a huge haul of young players and draft picks in a trade.

If he is available, there’s no need for the Kings to play their hand now. There’s no need to tell the Celtics “oh, you’re interested in him? OK, let’s only you and us talk and hammer this out right now.” They’ll play coy and make strong public statements to say he’s the centerpiece of their future. Behind the scenes they’ll take calls and figure out who’s got the best offer based on what they want for their franchise.

If they want to scrap it and start from the ground floor, then the Celtics have a shot with all their young pieces and draft picks. If they want to move forward… or at least not lose ground… then they’ll probably look for a trading partner with more established players, maybe a disgruntled veteran, in exchange for giving up Boogie. If that’s the case, the Celtics have no shot. It’s really all up to the Kings.

OR… The Kings really don’t want to trade Cousins, which is a distinct possibility. They might simply be telling the truth here, and saying what they really want. In that case, everyone just moves along and this is just another rumor that will fizzle and fall by the wayside.

But it’s rumor season. And everyone is putting on their best show. So… we’ll just have to wait to see how this ritual plays out.

H/T: Pro Basketball Talk

Page 2: Brad Stevens is going through a period of self-evaluation

While the focus of most fans might be on that playoff series sweep by Cleveland, Stevens is viewing this past season through the lens of a much broader scope.

“This is the time to just kind of organize your thoughts and take a big picture look of everything. That’s 50 percent of what I’m doing. The other 50 percent is I’m really trying to dissect and scrutinize how our system of play — both defensively and offensively — [and] see what we like and see what we want to change moving forward,” Stevens told the midday show.

CBS Boston: Long Way To Go: Brad Stevens Says Cleveland Series A Learning Experience For Young Celtics

I’ve said it a million times, so I won’t belabor the point, but the best coaches are the ones who are willing to adjust and do what’s best with the players they have rather than the system they have in place.

I’m sure Stevens has a favorite way to play, but he’s also got to do what’s right. I really like his willingness to make adjustments.

Sometimes the smartest people are the ones who understand they don’t know everything or have all the answers. Their willingness to adjust and continue to learn ultimately makes them better. I think Brad Stevens is one of those people.

Related links: Globe: Brad Stevens reflects on season gone by  |  CSNNE: Is coaching a superstar next for Stevens?  |  Podcast: 1 on 1 with coach Stevens  |  Herald: Stevens set for fresh start

The rest of the links:

CSNNE: Stevens gave Donovan advice on college to pro move