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NBA Rumors: 5 draft day trades Denver Nuggets should make

By Parker Hurley

Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 19, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after a basket against Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 19, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after a basket against Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Acquire DeMarcus Cousins

Cousins is a good fit for the Nuggets due to head coach Mike Malone. During Malone’s time in Sacramento he seemed to be the one coach that was able to reach Cousins and bring out his best efforts. Cousins comes with a ton of baggage, but more so than any team the Nuggets would be able to brush that aside.

For the Kings, they have to feel the end is near with Cousins. Cousins has played for two separate front offices, six head coaches, and nine starting point guards since being drafted in 2010. Cousins only has two years left on his deal and the Kings should feel that means they have two years left to get something in return for him.

The Nuggets may have the pieces to pull it off. There is a chance they could do it without giving up their seventh overall pick, especially if it meant they include Jokic or Nurkic. One of their two 21-year old big men combined with Gallinari, Barton and one of their middle first round picks may be enough to grab the big man.

It would hurt to lose a young big, but they have two, and despite the age difference it has to be viewed as a big upgrade to obtain Cousins. Cousins can be the best center in the game and could be the superstar that this young Nuggets team needs to get over the hump and into the playoffs. Trading for Cousins will always look like a risk, but the timing and fit are right for him to head to Denver.

Next: Blake Griffin

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