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NBA Trade Rumors: 6 DeMarcus Cousins Trades

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated Utah Jazz 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated Utah Jazz 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks to Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks to Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

If the Chicago Bulls were able to land DeMarcus Cousins, would head coach Fred Hoiberg be able to control and command the locker room like a NBA coach needs to? That would be the ultimate question after Jimmy Butler called Hoiberg out earlier this season for being too laid back, according to the Chicago Sun-Times‘ Joe Cowley.

That would be the biggest determining factor of how a Cousins-Chicago relationship would work out. But the deal is doable and would benefit both sides.

The Bulls benefit from this deal by getting to pair Pau Gasol with Cousins in the starting lineup. Having a player that can stretch the floor like Gasol would allow for Cousins to focus on his post-up game. Offensively, the Bulls would also be able to do more with guards Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, having two bigs that can knock down a mid-range shot or roll in the pick-and-roll game.

Sacramento is able to continue to start Cauley-Stein at center while getting two versatile power forwards in Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic. Gibson’s ability as a two-way player would be beneficial in a reserve role, and starting Mirotic may be a better option. Mirotic can play out on the perimeter and allow Cauley-Stein to protect the rim.

Mirotic as more of an offensive option and WCS as a defensive force pair well together, while Gibson and Kosta Koufos would make for a strong second unit.

That’s not a typo, the Bulls currently own the Kings’ 2016 first-round pick, which is top-10 protected, if the Kings were to fall off. Getting their pick back would be a priority in a deal for Cousins, in case they fall off after a trade.

Don’t forget about E’Twaun Moore, either. He’d be a step up from Ben McLemore. His ability to shoot the three-pointer and handle the ball at the combo guard position would be valuable in a reserve role. He could also see playing time late in games with the Kings down multiple possessions due to his three-point shooting ability.

Overall, this would be a great trade for both teams. Pairing Cousins and Butler for at least three years would immediately give the Bulls a window to contend for the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals each year. The Kings would also have more flexibility with their lineups and improve their front court, since they are currently undermanned at the power forward position.

Hollinger’s NBA Trade Machine gives the Bulls the edge in this trade during the short term. They would be projected to gain six wins this season, while the Kings wouldn’t gain or lose anything from their current pace.

Next: Dallas Mavericks

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