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NBA Trade Rumors: Top 10 Destinations For DeMarcus Cousins

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a similar position to the Indiana Pacers. Portland has more to offer in a trade package than Indiana, but even with its strongest proposal, it’s not hard to imagine the Sacramento Kings feeling as though more could be acquired elsewhere.

Nevertheless, it’d be worth exploring if C.J. McCollum, Noah Vonleh, and further compensation—Sacramento may ask for multiple draft picks—would be viewed as fair compensation.

If this trade were to be executed, DeMarcus Cousins and Damian Lillard would immediately become one of the most feared duos in the Western Conference. Lillard led the Trail Blazers to an improbable postseason appearance in 2015-16, and Cousins is well-established as the NBA’s most productive center.

For what it’s worth, both Cousins and Lillard averaged upwards of 25 points per game in 2015-16.

Furthermore, both Cousins and Lillard play with a chip on their respective shoulders as the overlooked stars of the west. One might ponder whether or not they could coexist, but Terry Stotts is an outstanding head coach who has proven himself to be more than capable of managing egos.

There’s no telling how attractive a trade package Portland would actually be able to put together, but the prospect of Cousins and Lillard as teammates is tantalizing enough to give it a shot.

Next: No. 7

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