The problem with DeMarcus Cousins is for every great thing he has done, there is a equally depressing tale of immaturity. The constant temper tantrums and locker room eruptions are a major cause for concern. He serves as a major distraction for the young stable of potential that Sacramento has been hoarding. Now that the Maloofs have surrendered their stranglehold on the team, the new Owners and Management now have a decision to make: To part or not to part with DeMarcus? I mean nobody wants to be the team that sends their former lottery pick and franchise player to a team one step away from a Championship right? (Looking at you Chris Ford and Memphis...)
Well if you are going to ship off the keys to the Kingdom (pun intended), then you might as well do it for draft picks and veteran leadership to compliment your pool of talent. So below I have 3 scenarios where teams could hit the DeMarcus lotto, and also benefit both organizations.
1. Cleveland Cavs trade the number 1 pick, the number 19 pick and Anderson Verajao to the Kings for DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette.
Why Should Cleveland make the deal? Cleveland is one player away from becoming a playoff team. DeMarcus Cousins could be that one player. They have enough cap space to fill out the perimeter, but this would solidify the front court and give Kyrie that pick and roll partner to terrorize the Eastern Conference. Jimmer would give them some added depth at PG, and also go well as a 4th specialty player to help spread the floor for Tristan and DeMarcus.
Why Should Sacramento make the deal? This would rid them of the project that is DeMarcus without having to sign him to a max extension which would in turn free up cap space. They get Anderson Varejao to hold down the fort in the front court, while the eventual number one pick Nerlens Noel recoups from knee surgery. Meanwhile, they also get to keep their original pick in which they could pick up either Trey Burke or Michael Carter-Williams, and then grab a wing with the 19th pick. This gives new coach Mike Malone a fresh start with young talent. Everybody wins.
2. Orlando Magic trade the number 2 pick, Glen Davis, and Moe Harkless to the Kings for DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton.
Why Should Orlando make the deal? Orlando was the absolute winner of the Dwightmare fiasco which resulted in the Lakers inheriting a year of growth for Dwight, and Philly ended up completely empty handed with Andrew Bynum. Nikola Vucevic ended up being the jewel of the mega trade. A pair of larger than life performances against the reigning champs proved that. Tobias Harris is a stud and the next small forward in line behind Paul George to make the great leap forward. DeMarcus would give them the best young front court in the NBA, Thomas would upgrade the PG spot for the future, and Thornton would add some much needed bench scoring.
Why Should Sacramento make the deal? Glen Davis would fill the void of DeMarcus leaving temporarily, Harkless would be a great young addition to the wing, and with the number two pick they could welcome Ben Mclemore with open arms. They could then go for a big man with their original pick and draft either Anthony Bennett who would eventually replace Davis as the starting Power Forward.
3. Washington Wizards trade the number 3 pick, Nene Hilario and Trevor Ariza to Sacramento for DeMarcus Cousins, John Salmons and Toney Douglass.
Why Should Washington make the deal? REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!!! That mighty Kentucky connection of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins would make for an entertaining duo to watch for years. Throw in Bradley Beal and you have the perfect combination of youth and talent to lead the charge for the next decade. Toney Douglass would serve as a more than capable backup and John Salmons would fill the void left by Trevor Ariza.
Why Should Sacramento make the deal? Nene Hilario is an Olympian and career starter which would serve as a major fill in the front court and also comes with experience and low maintenance. Trevor Ariza could serve as a wing defender and the number 3 pick could be used to select Victor Oladipo. Oladipo could become a stud and blossom under Mike Malone. The next pick could be used to select Alex Len who could study under the savvy old vet, Nene, and eventually start side by side one another serving as a potent tandem.
So as you can see all of these could work out for all three teams. DeMarcus could thrive with either team, and Sacramento would remain in their rebuilding process but with less drama. At the end of the day this is all just fun speculation, but what happens if it actually occurs? What happens if a major trade actually takes place? We could potentially see a major power shift. It worked out well for Boston...KEVIN GARNETT, KEVIN GARNETT, KEVIN GARNETT.
The Draft Fanatic
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