LeBron James campaigning for a DeMarcus Cousins trade?

Did LeBron James just campaign for DeMarcus Cousins to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers?

It could be nothing but the most interesting reaction from New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins obliviating the Chicago Bulls frontcourt with 44 points, 24 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals and 1 block in 52 (!) minutes of action came from Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

With a 132-128 comeback win against one of the league’s surprising young teams, who have both one of the league’s best rookies and frontcourt court depth, it was all the more impressive for a player who could be the best big man in the game.

It was a stat line only matched by Hall of Famer and NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain… in 1968.

Basically a once in a lifetime performance.

Cousins nearly had his triple-double before the fourth quarter and took over for two overtime periods with Anthony Davis fouled out.

He will be a starter for the All-Star Game and deservedly so. Boogie might find himself on James’ team, who is a captain in the newly formatted exhibition.

With Cousins averaging 25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three this season, nobody would be surprised.

Still, that the conscious, calculated and often cryptic James would send out this tweet, two and a half weeks before the trade deadline, is notable.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to Cousins in trade rumors involving the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick. Yet, Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported their uncertainty of using said pick to acquire an All-Star talent in the event James leaves the Land in free agency, although it’s possible that they would use the pick if the right player became available.

However, with James even showing an inkling of interest in Cousins’ performance, the Cavs front office has to think. Is Cousins the right player?

While Kevin Love has exceeded expectations offensively this season, he’s one of if not the weakest link for the Cavs defensively. Cousins isn’t the best interior defender there is but he’s far more capable of defending multiple positions night-in and night-out. He also has a knack for racking up steals.

There is a difference on offense as well. Cousins commands more attention yet is an unselfish playmaker making him a more dynamic threat with the ball in his hands without considering his guard skills at 6-foot-11.

Could it just be coincidence that James’ tweet comes on the heels of a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that makes it seem like the Cavs are questioning if Love wants to be there? According to Wojnarowski, “several players challenged the legitimacy of Kevin Love’s illness that led him to leave Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma City early and miss Sunday’s practice”.

Sure, the night was rare and deserving of praise but James doesn’t shout out every great or historic performance he’s seen.

There isn’t much desire from the Pelicans front office to move Cousins, who likes New Orleans and playing alongside Davis. However, with a package centered around Love and the Nets’ pick, the Pelicans will have to consider if they can get a better deal for Cousins — especially considering Cousins could walk after the season.

It’s hard to see the ball-dominance of James, Cousins and Isaiah Thomas working well with James already questioning if he and Thomas should indeed be a pair. However, not only is Cousins unselfish, Thomas could find himself traded right along with Love.

The Cavs aren’t linked to guys like point guard George Hill for nothing.

Related Story: KJG Podcast, Episode 6