Kings center DeMarcus Cousins emerged as a legitimate NBA superstar last season, and even though his numbers are still elite, he has taken a small step back this year. Cousins’ field goal percentage has dropped 50 points, his rebounding has dipped slightly, and he’s passing less.
These are all symptoms of the continued deterioration of his desire to keep playing for a perennial loser in Sacramento, a team which hired a coach (George Karl) with whom he clashes.
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Cousins is not happy there, but he’s a star on an affordable contract, so a trade is possible. The team getting Cousins just has to be prepared to part with a great deal. Here are three teams that need Cousins, along with a trade that will get it done.
Celtics
Celtics Receive: DeMarcus Cousins
Kings Receive: Marcus Smart, Amir Johnson, 2016 1st Round Pick (via MIN)
This trade allows the Celtics to not only acquire Cousins, but keep their precious Nets’ first-rounder, which is completely unprotected. The Celtics have a deep team full of solid players, but no stars. Parting with Smart would hurt, but his poor shooting limits his ceiling.
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Minnesota’s pick has a big caveat. It’s protected for the Top 12, and if it lands in that range the Wolves will instead convey their 2016 and 2017 second-round picks. In this deal the Kings trade away an unhappy center, and obtain a hyper-competitive point guard who can replace Rajon Rondo who will inevitably sign a big long-term deal this offseason.
Pelicans
Pelicans Receive: DeMarcus Cousins
Kings Receive: Eric Gordon, 1st Round Pick
What’s one way to combat the Warriors’ perimeter-oriented, 3-point shooting offense? Destroy it inside with elite big men. The Spurs are going to try it that way with Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge, and the Pelicans, desperate to reach expectations, could one-up that with Cousins and Anthony Davis.
The Kings would get Gordon’s huge, expiring contract, and a first-round pick from the Pelicans that will likely be in the lottery. Even with Davis and Cousins, the Pelicans are 12 games under .500 and probably too far out to contend. But next year…look out.
Wizards
Wizards Receive: DeMarcus Cousins
Kings Receive: Bradley Beal, Nene, 2016 1st Round Pick
How’s this for a blockbuster? It would cost the Wizards Beal, who despite a disappointing 2015-16 campaign so far is still just 22 years old. But he’s due for a big contract and the Wizards could be leery after dealing with his frequent injuries.
The Kings may simply be eager to start with a new superstar, one who is more suited to the new pace-and-space era and has less of a reputation for being a malcontent. Nene provides some semblance of Cousins’ production for the rest of the year, and he’s $13 million off the books for next summer. Plus, the Wiz throw in a first-rounder. It won’t be a lottery pick, but young talent never hurts, even if it’s the Kings, who can’t draft.
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