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NBA Draft 2016: 5 draft day trades that will happen

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarcus Cousins
Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

I do not think the Sacramento Kings will be shopping their star player this off season, but they could be enticed by a big offer. DeMarcus Cousins only has two years remaining before he hits free agency and has always been a shaky presence in the locker room.

While I doubt the Kings are really looking to trade him, an offer like this could get them to bite. Nikola Vucevic is not DeMarcus Cousins, but he is a strong offensive post player who would help make up for that lost production.

Add in the fifth overall selection from the 2015 NBA Draft, Mario Hezonja, and the Magic’s 11th overall selection in the upcoming NBA draft, and I think the Kings would have a hard time saying no.

Cousins is great, but I think the Kings know they are not winning a championship with him. Getting strong future assets in exchange for Cousins would be a strong move for the Kings.

Orlando already has Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton. Adding cousins to the mix would give them a strong young nucleus to build around, and they would have two seasons to prove to Cousins their franchise is the place for him. Cousins already knows he is not going anywhere in Sacramento.

The Magic have some nice assets on their roster, but continue to struggle on the court. Now is the time for them to make a power move like this.

Next: 2. Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks

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