DeMarcus Cousins was the talk of trade rumors during the 2016 NBA offseason and now his name is once again being tossed around as to the possible subject of a trade for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ center, Tristan Thompson, will reportedly be let go by his current team in an attempt to acquire the New Orleans Pelicans star player. The deal will reportedly be one-for-one as the salary cap is a major factor in the possible trade. Thompson’s salary is $15.3 million while Cousins’ is at $16.9 million. Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Orleans Pelicans are over the cap.
Tristan Thompson’s performance during NBA 2017 finals reason for trade
According to rumors, the deal might be pushed through as the Cleveland Cavaliers is considering parting with Thompson due to his performance in the recently concluded NBA 2017 finals. During the five games against Golden State Warriors, Thompson only averaged 5.8 rebounds.
Acquiring Cousins would be great for Cavaliers if they really want to beat the Golden State Warriors since he is a five-time All-Star. He is also great at offensive rebounding. LeBron James also said in the past the Cousins is the best big man in NBA.
New Orleans Pelicans might not be willing to trade
The New Orleans Pelicans might not want to lose Cousins over Thompson.
Last February, they struggled to acquire Cousins from the Sacramento Kings by letting Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans and Langston Galloway go. They even let a first-round pick slip through their hands to get Cousins. For them to trade him would need a better trade deal. Cousins and Anthony Davis are also playing well together so the New Orleans Pelicans might not want to have Cousins on the trading block after all.
Experts and fans comment on possible Thompson-Cousins trade
Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon said that the trade could happen if instead of Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers would give up Kevin Love. NBA fans also commented on the matter and one fan said that the deal could be better if both Thompson and Imam Shumpert will be traded for Cousins.
If Shumpert will be thrown in, too, Thompson can play center while Davis will still be the power forward. Another fan said that Jrue Holiday and Cousins should be traded for Love and Shumpert.
Cousins lose a lot of weight
More on Cousins, the New Orleans Pelicans player who stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 270 pounds, recently dropped some weight during the off-season training. According to the head coach of the Pelicans, Alvin Gentry, the reason for the weight loss is because Cousins will take on the center point role this upcoming NBA season.
