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Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 realistic trade scenarios for the Cavs

By Alishah Pearine

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 5: Kevin Love #0, Iman Shumpert #4, and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers line up for the national anthem before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 5, 2016 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 5: Kevin Love #0, Iman Shumpert #4, and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers line up for the national anthem before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 5, 2016 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 22: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs steals the ball from DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 22: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs steals the ball from DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

DEMARCUS TO THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

I, personally, am not a fan of this trade, but many think with DeMarcus going to the Cavaliers that they would be a sure bet to win the NBA Finals. Now, this isn’t to say Cousins wouldn’t help Cleveland win an NBA Championship. It’s just the way he represents himself that is an issue.

In his 8 year career, he hasn’t had a season where he’s had less than 10 technicals. He’s constantly barking at officials and fighting with other players. He’s had a long history of these encounters so even when he doesn’t do anything everyone still assumes he did.

On the flipside, his passion, hustle and sheer determination to win is rare in a league full of players after their money. He’s one of the most dominant bigs in the game right now averaging, 26.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

His stellar defense alongside his elite offense is unprecedented for big men in the history of the league. On top of averaging 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks a night, he’s also attempting seven 3’s a game and making 32% of them. The best part is, he’s not a fan of the Warriors so what better way to get revenge against them than to beat them than in the NBA Finals.

If the Pelicans are offered this deal, they should pull the trigger on it ASAP. Firstly, they get stability at the power forward and shooting guard positions—knowing that both, Love and Shumpert, are under contract for another 2 years.

Second of all, Love would easily be the second option on a rebuilding team, easing the burden on Anthony Davis. The gem of this trade is still the Brooklyn pick; couple that pick in with a dynamic duo of Love and AD, and a deep playoff run doesn’t seem too outlandish in the near future.

Must Read: Could Michael Porter Jr. be a Cavalier next season?

For the Cavs, DeMarcus is done after this year and will be a free agent this upcoming offseason. The chances of him resigning depend solely on how well his team does. If he does make his way to Cleveland, who’s to know what he does after tasting that victory champagne for the first time in his 8 year career.