NBA Rumors: 5 draft day trades Minnesota Timberwolves should make

April 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is congratulated by guard Ricky Rubio (9) after making a basket while being fouled against the Golden State Warriors during overtime at Oracle Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 124-117. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) holds up his finger after a foul against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

2. DeMarcus Cousins

You’d be hard pressed to find a more talented and polarizing character in the NBA that’s involved in more trade rumors than DeMarcus Cousins. Seemingly from the first day Cousins took the court for Sacramento, he’s been subjected to whispers he may be dealt.

Cousins has bumped heads with management and teammates throughout his career, however, his talent is undeniable.

The Kings as a franchise are in a state of disarray. Constant infighting between Head Coach George Karl and vice president of player personnel and gm Vlade Divac on the direction of the team has made for an uncomfortable work environment. Not only do they have a disgruntled player in Cousins, but the word is that players on the Kings are not particularly fond of Cousins as a teammate.

While that may be a red flag for many organizations, you can bet Cousins will receive a lot of attention from possible suitors including the Lakers, Nuggets and Celtics.

At center or power forward, Cousins would be an immediate difference maker. The five-year vet averaged nearly 27ppg and over 11 rebounds this past season. It’s clear Cousins is able to create offense on his own, but it would be interesting to see what he could do alongside the likes of Towns and an athletic and deep backcourt.

In any scenario, the no. 5 pick would have to be in any trade for Cousins and likely a few more players would have to be put in the mix to acquire him.

Whether or not the Timberwolves are ready to make such a big leap, we’ll have to wait and see. Though, adding a player with the skills of Cousins and Minnesota could be playoff bound sooner rather than later.

Next: 1. Jimmy Butler

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