DeMarcus Cousins and Russell Westbrook (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly looking into the possibility of trading All-Star power forward Kevin Love and wing defender Iman Shumpert for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, according to various NBA sources.
Details: Morning News USA stated that the Cavaliers, in an attempt to match the firepower of Golden State Warriors following their acquisition of Kevin Durant this offseason, will likely pull off a mega-trade between now and the mid-season trade deadline.
The Cavs reportedly target All-Star and All-NBA center Cousins along with prospect Ben McLemore in a trade. Kevin Love, who had chemistry issues with the Cavaliers the past two seasons, is the likely trade bait with Shumpert as deal sweetener.
Verdict: Setting aside that the source of this information is a bit shady, I honestly buy this one for a number of reasons.
First, the Kings, despite insisting that they have no plans trading their franchise player, are already fed up with Cousins attitude and are expected to look for ways on how they maximize Cousins trade value. Second, the Cavaliers look to boost up their roster, particularly at the center spot and there's any doubt Cousins is the best at that position right now.
Details: Another trade rumors surfacing is the potential deal involving Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. According to CBS Sports writer Matt More, the Cavaliers should be considered as a legit candidate for Westbrook should the Thunder decide to shop him. There are some who believes the Cavs could be willing to part ways with Kyrie Irving as long as they can land a top-5 superstar in Westbrook.
Verdict: Not a fan of this trade, and obviously this deal isn't feasible. If ever the Cavaliers look for an upgrade, it's not going in the backcourt. At this point of their respective careers, Irving has more value than Westbrook simply because he's much younger than the latter and already won a title. Westbrook might be a little bit better right now, but Irving will soon take his place atop the echelon of NBA PG in 2-3 years time.
