DeMarcus Cousins and Tristan Thompson (Photo : Getty Images)
Tristan Thompson could be the odd man out if the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue a blockbuster trade for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.
In the aftermath of Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs find themselves in the heat of trade talks for a potential deal that would acquire Cousins, one of the most dominant big men in the league.
Rumors have it that Kevin Love is the expendable piece to any possible trade after the All-Star power forward struggled to fit in the Cavs' system. But according to Ryan Rosko of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Cavs should give up Tristan Thompson instead.
"Let's say hypothetically the Cleveland Cavaliers made a trade for him. Who should they give up and who would they give up are two different questions. To acquire Cousins, Cleveland would have to (likely) give up Love as the headliner. However, they should give up Thompson," Rosko wrote.
"Love can score, rebound, and spread the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We finally saw Thompson play at a good level last season (specifically in the playoffs and NBA Finals), but all Thompson can do is rebound."
Thompson has been an essential piece of Cleveland's success in the past two seasons, especially during the playoffs and NBA Finals against the Warriors. Thompson, who averaged 7.8 points and 9.0 rebounds a game for the Cavs last season, has been a very reliable backup to Love and proven at times he can take over a starting role with the team.
Thompson would certainly earn the lead role in the King's frontcourt rotation, but there is little sense acquiring him from the Cavs. While there is no doubt he could bring energy to the Kings and crash the offensive boards, Thompson has limited offensive skills to fill in for Cousins.
One trade scenario that works in ESPN's trade machine is the Kings getting Love and Thompson for Cousins and Rudy Gay, who is also on the trading block after requesting Sacramento for a trade.
By acquiring Love, the Kings get a prolific scorer at the four spot who could complement the team's other big men. Playing alongside Thompson would cover up Love's lack of defense, forming an "ice and fire" frontcourt combination.
The Cavs, on the other hand, would instantly boost their lineup by acquiring both Cousins and Gay. With LeBron James expected to remain with the Cavs, the team could create a formidable lineup that can challenge the Warriors' super-team.
It is uncertain whether the Kings truly intend to deal Cousins and Gay, but if the rebuilding franchise wishes to move on from the often disgruntled center and their versatile forward, they might as well consider trading him for Love and Thompson.
