Putting Some “Respek” on the DeMarcus Cousins Trade Rumors

Courtesy of the Sacramento Kings

Note – I purposely spelled respect wrong in the title. Some of you may get it, some of you won’t.

As you scour the search engines for information related to DeMarcus Cousins, you’d be hard pressed not to find articles headlined with talk of potential trades. Several online sources (mostly rumors) have hinted at the possibility of Cousins joining forces with John Wall in the Nations Capital, and while I think the two would make a formidable two-headed monster, there’s a high probability the Wizards would at a minimum have to offer up Bradley Beal in return. As efficient as both players are offensively, I’m not prepared to say that this would be an even trade, and Sacramento would essentially be parting ways with the top center in the league in exchange for Beal, a player who currently ranks top-5 in scoring among all shooting guards, but doesn’t have quite the overall impact as Boogie.

In all honesty, Kings fans aren’t exactly kicking and screaming for a Bradley Beal signing, however, most Wizards fans would marvel at the site of Cousins rocking a team jersey.  As questionable as the Kings front office has been over the years, I would like to believe that lightning wouldn’t strike twice in the same place — in reference to their poor decision in 2015 to give up All-Star pg Isaiah Thomas for essentially nothing.

The Kings are in a 10 year playoffs drought, unable to catch a break since 2006. I almost wonder if moving to a new city would do them some justice. I hear Seattle would literally kill for another shot at an NBA franchise.

The Wizards on the other hand would have to move a number of pieces in order to acquire Cousins, and while Wall and Cousins have hinted at reuniting as teammates, I just can’t put any “Respek” on this particular trade, but if you’re foolish enough to think Cousins will continue his career in Sac-Town, you’re playing yourself.

Here are a few teams that should put some “Respek” on the DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors. Levels are 10 being high probability to 1 being low.

Cousins to Toronto in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas and first-round picks

Respek level: 8/10

If the Raptors wan’t to be taken seriously as a threat in the east, the organization should consider moving a few pieces in exchange for Cousins. A deal involving Jonas Valanciunas along with a few eligible draft picks would breath new air into a losing Sacramento franchise while arguably giving the Raptors a legitimate shot at an NBA title run.

Cousins for LaMarus Aldridge in an even trade

Respek level: 2/10

With the rumors of LaMarcus Aldridge‘s unhappiness in San Antonio being mostly b.s. chatter, it would be safe to say that a trade involving he and Cousins is highly unlikely to occur, not to mention head coach Gregg Popovich’s disciplined coaching style would fit Cousins tighter than the O.J. glove.

Clippers trade DeAndre Jordan for Cousins

Respek level: 5 /10

A trade involving DeAndre Jordan would turn the Clippers into an even bigger threat in the west, unfortunately, their interior defense would sustain a major blow. A deal involving Jordan along with a draft pick makes sense for the Kings, but more than likely, won’t happen.

To Orlando for Aaron Gordon and Serge Ibaka

Respek level: 7/10

The Kings would get Ibaka, an all-around stud who can do it all, and Gordon, a rising star in the league who lives above the rim. The Magic would acquire a franchise player in Cousins and their first marquee center since the Dwight Howard era. Head coach Frank Vogel has proven the ability to coach young talent, while Cousins and Elfrid Payton would make for an electrifying duo.

Cousins to Cleveland with Rudy Gay for Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert

Respek level: 7/10

The Cavs may have to match wits with the Golden State Warriors (a team that looks even deadlier than last season) in order to thwart off their much improved roster headlined by Kevin Durant.  For the Cavs, adding Cousins and Rudy Gay to the roster would almost guarantee a repeat. On the flip-side, Kevin Love would be a star and put up huge numbers in Sacramento. Looks like a win-win situation for both organizations.

Courtesy of the LA Lakers

To Los Angeles Lakers for Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson

Respek Level: 9/10

Cousins would be the franchise player the Lakers could build around, and with D’Angelo Russell coming into his own this season, the team could be forming their next great duo since Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Kings should entertain the trade as Cousins will almost certainly receive a more appealing offer sheet from the Lakers. Despite being a top-3 center in the NBA, Cousins is currently ranked 37th among the highest players in the league. I can see a situation where the Lakers will make a power move.

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