Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins Worth Trading For?

What a Trade Would Look Like

Though DeMarcus Cousins has real baggage, people shouldn’t kid themselves about what his trade value is.

As mentioned earlier, Cousins is AT LEAST a top 20 player in the league today, and at times can play like a top 10 player.

Given this fact, any trade for Cousins would have to involve one of the Bucks core three players.

Out of the three guys the Bucks have, Giannis Antetokounmpo would likely be considered the most untouchable player on the roster. Outside of being offered an established star, like Kevin Durant, the Bucks would never entertain trading Antetokounmpo, especially for a player like Cousins who presents significant risk for the team.

Khris Middleton would make a lot of sense for Sacramento because he would give the Kings an above average wing player that they’ve never really had. The Kings desperately need floor spacing, and Middleton has been among the league’s best shooters from range for two years running.

He’s also an excellent defender, able to guard shooting guards, small forwards, or even power forwards when asked. This ability enables him to slot in wherever the Kings need him.

Middleton, however, is a few years older (24) than Antetokounmpo and Parker (21) and is unlikely to get too much better than he already is. Though he makes for an excellent second or third piece on a contender, Middleton is not a superstar. And, given that Middleton is already on his second NBA contract, it’s doubtful the Kings would want Middleton as their first option, though they would be wrong to not consider a trade involving him.

Jabari Parker, out of the core three, would make the most sense (on paper) to be the centerpiece of a trade. Parker has the most years remaining on his deal, and showed over the last three months of the season that he can be at least an All-Star caliber player on the offensive end.

Parker is one of few players under the age of 25 who could legitimately go on to become a top 10 player in the NBA. Out of the guys taken in the past three drafts, he has a ceiling that is (arguably) only behind that of Antetokounmpo, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl Anthony-Towns.

Trading Parker in this scenario could also makes sense from Milwaukee’s perspective. He has serious defensive limitations which make his fit on the team unclear. Antetokounmpo and Middleton are best suited to play against the wings, places where Parker would likely be hidden given his defensive struggles. And, if Parker doesn’t get much better defensively, his best fit in the league would be to play next to a defensive-first center, like Willie Cauley-Stein, who can help assist him when he gets beaten.

Given that the cap is increasing to $89 million this summer, a number both the Bucks and Kings are below, additional contracts wouldn’t necessarily have to be involved. Of course, trading Greg Monroe would likely be part of the deal in order for the Bucks to get Cousins and still have enough money to sign other guys this off-season. This would likely get a third team involved to take Monroe on.

It’s also likely the Bucks would have to give up a future first rounder to the Kings as an additional asset. Parker may have a high ceiling, but the Kings would (likely) not accept a straight trade for Parker, especially when considering what other teams can offer them.

Proposed Deal:

Kings Get: Jabari Parker, 2018 First Round Pick (top 3 protected), Greg Monroe

Bucks Get: DeMarcus Cousins

Next: Why The Trade Could Make Sense