5 Best Potential Trades For DeMarcus Cousins
By Sai Mohan
Milwaukee Bucks (3-Way Trade With Nets)
View in ESPN Trade Machine.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been actively shopping center Greg Monroe, per ESPN’s Marc Stein. The Sacramento Kings have been trying to find a new home for Rudy Gay, who has reportedly requested for a trade this summer.
The Brooklyn Nets have approximately $19 million left in cap room and would be able to absorb Gay’s contract while facilitating this three-way trade including the Kings and the Bucks.
Why the Kings do it: Monroe isn’t known for his rim protection but he’s a versatile scorer in the post and can become a go-to weapon on offense for coach Dave Joerger. Henson would instantly bring rim protection and athleticism. Henson and Cauley-Stein together could prove to be a nightmare matchup for opposing bigs.
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With Rajon Rondo’s departure, the Kings have a relatively thin backcourt. While they added Arron Afflalo (via free agency) and Malachi Richardson (via draft), Darren Collision remains their only starting-caliber point guard. Ennis and Bogdanovic would help solve some rotational issues.
Why the Bucks do it: While Giannis Antetokounmpo can stuff the stat-sheet and put up big numbers on both ends of the floor, Milwaukee is still seeking a No. 1 scoring option. Jabari Parker isn’t that player yet after his rookie year injury. Miles Plumlee is improving on a yearly basis but he can’t put up Cousins numbers (27 points, 12 rebounds a night).
Khris Middleton is a great defender but still can’t create for himself with efficiency. Cousins would instantly bolster the Bucks offense. Antetokounmpo and Cousins on pick-and-roll situations would be dynamite!
Why the Nets do it: Brooklyn is desperate for talent. After striking out in their pursuit of Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson, they are still to reach their cap floor and are in a position to absorb a contract or two. Gay’s trade value isn’t optimal but the swingman averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds last season and could be a decent pairing alongside Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin.
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