DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Love (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be waiting for the dust to clear before making their own move this offseason.
The Cavs' hopes of repeating as NBA champions heavily rely on signing back LeBron James, who is widely expected to remain in Cleveland. But the Cavs also have some to acquire significant additions, especially after rivals Golden State Warriors landed Kevin Durant this summer.
With the free agency market already dried up, the Cavs could consider exploring a trade that would help them remain as title contenders next season. That could mean trading their best trade asset in Kevin Love, who has struggled to fit with the Cavs.
According to Quenton Albertie of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Cavs could be waiting for a big move before orchestrating a blockbuster deal of their own involving Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. Alberite believes that the Boston Celtics acquiring Blake Griffin from the LA Clippers would signal the Cavs trading Love for Cousins in a deal that may also involve Ben McLemore and Iman Shumpert.
Cousins for Love is a deal that would make sense for both teams in many levels. Cousins has been inconsistent with his emotions towards the Kings, with both parties seemingly not on the same page. After the Kings drafted a pair of big men instead of a bona fide playmaker, there were rumblings about Cousins' potential exit from Sac-town.
Bringing in Cousins would give the Cavs an elite low-post scorer, who can also protect the rim and anchor the defense inside the paint. As Albertie noted, Cousins' aggression may be endearing for a winning team like the Cavs, especially alongside another alpha in King James.
On the other hand, Love provides the Kings an offensive threat whether it be inside the paint or beyond the three-point mark. Love has struggled to put up All-Star numbers in Cleveland, but taking a lead role with the Kings should spur him back to being a prolific scorer.
A blockbuster deal consisting of Cousins and Love have been gaining traction in light of other potential transactions that could drastically alter the landscape of the league once again. While there is no confirmation if the Cavs and Kings have genuine interests in coming to terms for an All-Star big man swap, it is something both teams may consider.
