2016-17 NBA Season News & Updates: Is LeBron James Pressuring Cleveland Cavaliers to Trade Kevin Love for DeMarcus Cousins After Impressive Rio Games Performance?
DeMarcus Cousins' impressive performance in the Rio 2016 Olympics may pave a way for him to play under Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016-17 NBA season. Rumors are rife that LeBron James is pressuring Cleveland Cavaliers to trade Kevin Love for the Sacramento Kings' center.
The Love-for-Cousins Trade
Morning News USA reports that James, who is known as the defecto general manager of the Cavaliers, has been aiming for Love to be traded by Cousins since late last year. The interest of the three-time NBA Finals MVP to recruit Cousins was re-ignited after the Kings' star player showcased a remarkable performance in the court of the Rio Games.
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According to the report, James considered Love as a mismatch to the Cavaliers because of his lackluster performance in the last season's NBA finals. The Love-for-Cousins trade is believed to be one of James' game plans to defend the championship and counter the super-team formed by the Golden State Warriors this free agency period.
James is Rooting For Cousins
In an interview with ESPN before the free agency period, David Griffin, general manager of the Cavaliers, expressed that he wanted to keep the championship-winning squad intact for the 2016-17 season. He said that he intend to keep every member of the Cavaliers and see what they can achieve in the next season.
But Griffin may change his initial declaration and let go some of the players with James' persuasion. It is notable that James remains a free agent as of press time. Although he committed to return to the Cavaliers, he has not inked a deal yet.
Before re-signing, per Fox Sports, James wanted to assure that he has a skilled and competent squad so that they can successfully defend their championship title. Trading Love for Cousins could be one of James' conditions before he will re-sign.
Cousins' Possible Role in The Cavaliers
According to Aaron Ferguson of Fan Sided, Cousins is a perfect fit for the Cavaliers because of his versatility in taking multiple roles. He added that the NBA star could be a power forward on the offensive end and a center on the defensive end, and could be the ideal player to go along with James and Kyrie Irving in the court.
Cousins averaged 26.9 points last season. The 25-year-old center of the United States men's national basketball team has been playing with the Kings since 2010. He received honors as 2015 and 2016 NBA All-Star.
