NBA Rumors: Pelicans should sign-and-trade DeMarcus Cousins to Lakers
By Alex Reed
NBA Rumors: Exploring the possibility of signing and trading DeMarcus Cousins, and why it could be to the Los Angeles Lakers
With the recent success of the New Orleans Pelicans throughout the playoffs, the future for DeMarcus Cousins remains in question as he prepares to hit the unrestricted free agent market this summer.
The team has found a lot of success with Anthony Davis at center, playing with a stretch-4. The Pelicans need to acquire some more young talent to take the pressure off of Davis and Jrue Holiday.
Here is a potential trade that makes sense for both parties involved.
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Cousins to the Lakers
This trade makes sense for the Lakers because they’ve long been rumored to poach on a big fish in free agency, and Cousins could fit that role – and could be used to recruit another big name either this summer or next.
Trading for Cousins is a bit of a gamble, especially coming off a major foot injury, but it could pay off for the Lakers – who haven’t been able to land a star since Kobe Bryant hung up his sneakers.
So, how would this benefit the Pelicans?
The Pelicans could receive Julius Randle, pick
This trade would be a huge move for the Pelicans and, in some ways, very risky too. Assuming the Lakers would not be willing to move any of their big pieces, they could throw in a Julius Randle (sign-and-trade) and a pick.
Randle really came into his own towards the latter portion of this season, and would be a great young addition for the Pelicans. Randle could add a physical post presence that the Pelicans haven’t really had prior to Boogie Cousins.
This trade, for the Pelicans, adds young and a future asset down the line.
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All in all, this trade would really help both sides – especially if the Pelicans are hesitant on signing Cousins to the big deal that he will get on the open market. The Lakers get star power to draw free agents and the Pelicans get a cheaper, younger talent who has the potential to be a Sixth Man of the Year.