The marriage of DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings has not been a pretty one. It has been marked by on the court success, but marred by off the court clashes. Cousins has always been a player with talent-there is no denying that. So if the Kings do decide that it is time to sever ties with the Kentucky Wildcat product, there will be takers. Many teams around the NBA are always looking for active big men such as Cousins, so lets take a look at a few trade scenarios for DeMarcus Cousins.
Trade #1: Kris Humphries for DeMarcus Cousins and John Salmons
Why it works for the Nets: Humphries has been in and out of the rotation recently, and the Nets need some sort of spark. Whether Avery Johnson and DeMarcus Cousins can get along would remain to be seen, but this trade would seem to pump life into what has been thus far a disappointing season for the Nets.
Why it works for the Kings: Sacramento would get Humphries, who is a quiet workman, will go about his business, rebound the ball, and score around the hoop. Salmons has a huge contract that Sacramento could get out from under, and this trade could open up some room for players like Aaron Brooks and Jimmer Fredette to step into a bigger role.
Trade #2: Anderson Varejao for DeMarcus Cousins and Travis Outlaw.
Why it works for the Cavaliers: This is risky. The Cavs have a nice young nucleus. If Cousins can mesh with the talent that is already there, Cleveland can be a force in the Eastern Conference. Varejao is a talented player, but is already 30 and the Cavs are looking towards the future.
Why it works for the Kings: They would get Varejao, who would be a very good veteran presence for the team. The Kings have a lot of young players, who, under Varejao, could really start to grow in this league.
Trade #3: Amar’e Stoudemire and Pablo Prigioni for DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, John Salmons
Why it works for the Knicks: Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony have had trouble coexisting. No one knows what life for the Knicks will be like when Stoudemire returns for New York. The hope could be that Cousins and Anthony could play together, and Evans could be a huge asset as a starting point guard or a back up point guard.
Why it works for the Kings: They lose a lot of young talent, but they get back a star. Say what you want about Stoudemire, he can still be a force in this league. The Kings could build around him with Marcus Thornton, Fredette, and Brooks, and they could put together a formidable team.
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