Los Angeles Lakers: 3 big-name targets before 2018 trade deadline

DeMarcus Cousins, C

The only way this situation arises is if things don’t go as planned for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017-18. They made the blockbuster deal to acquire the abrasive big man last season, but may not like what they see enough to hand him a max deal next offseason.

If they figure that out before the 2018 trade deadline, maybe they find a trade partner. A franchise like the Lakers that has shown serious interest in Cousins before, and would be willing to part with draft picks to get a deal done. It would be a costly endeavor for Los Angeles, but one that could help put together a super-team in 2018.

So here’s what I’m thinking:

On the surface, this seems like a rough trade for the Lakers, but hear me out. Obviously they get the star center in DeMarcus Cousins who they attempted to acquire last year. They also get an expiring contract in Quincy Pondexter, who hasn’t played since the 2015 NBA Playoffs due to numerous injuries. Regardless, he makes the deal work from a financial standpoint.

They part with Lopez and Randle, who both stand a good chance at leaving next offseason anyway. Again, it’s not ideal parting with two draft picks, but that’s the price you pay for a superstar like Cousins. The Pelicans recoup their draft picks from the original trade, get a high-upside big and aren’t forced to spend big bucks to re-sign the polarizing center.

It doesn’t solve the Deng issue, but Magic can figure something else.

Next: Lakers' top trade candidates before 2018 deadline

The important thing here is that this deal allows the Lakers to secure Cousins’ Bird Rights. That means they can re-sign him during the offseason without having to worry about the salary cap. They spend big on James and George, then ink Cousins to a five-year max deal. Add Lonzo Ball to the mix, and you’ve put together a Western Conference contender overnight.