Trade Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins Linked to Utah Jazz?

A handful of sites have brought to light a supposed trade scenario involving the Utah Jazz and DeMarcus Cousins. But would this be a wise move?

It’s still only a theory at this point, but I believe somewhere in the deep, dark realms of the internet exists a sinister man who spends his time conjuring up outlandish trade rumors just for the mere satisfaction of seeing them spread around the web and getting gullible fans to react. That could very well be the case this time around.

Still, a handful of sites have alluded to the possibility that the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz may be considering a trade that would involve sending Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Derrick Favors and Dante Exum. For examples, check out these links here, here, here and here.

Clearly, the claims seem less than reliable as there is no cited evidence from a source close to either team suggesting this has truly been discussed. Not to mention one site addressing the rumor mentioned the Jazz would be including “Dante Exeum” in the deal (Exum’s evil twin?!).

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So let me preface the rest of this piece by saying despite the handful of reports, I do not believe this to be a legitimate trade rumor or even a wise decision for the Jazz if it were.

Nevertheless, it’s still fun to speculate on the possibility of this deal and what it would potentially mean for either team (and yes, I know, I’m now playing right into the hands of that sinister rumor guy who probably came up with this thing in the first place).

After what has been an already thrilling offseason for the Utah Jazz, trading to add a big-name player such as DeMarcus Cousins, or Boogie as he is sometimes called, would undoubtedly be a blockbuster trade that would shock the league and make an unwavering statement that the Jazz have gone from rebuild mode to high-octane win-now mode.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean it would be the best idea for the Jazz.

There’s no denying that Cousins is a phenomenal player. For his career he averages an astounding 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Last year he posted an incredible 26.9 points per game and in 2014-15 he logged his season career high of 12.7 rebounds per game. The two-time All-Star is an exceptional post presence and is among the toughest covers in the league.

But with that being said, Cousins also comes with quite a bit of baggage. He has a notorious temper and has racked up 90 technical fouls in his six-year career (including 17 last season), has been ejected ten times and has served a number of suspensions, including some inflicted by the Kings organization itself for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

To be fair to Cousins, he is undoubtedly in a frustrating situation on a difficult team (and that’s an understatement). It could be argued that Boogie is just passionate for the game and sometimes his reputation makes his actions seem worse than they really are.

Perhaps in a fresh situation with the Jazz, under a trusted and consistent coach in Quin Snyder, the team could truly tap into Cousins’ best qualities and help correct his poor attitude.

https://twitter.com/boogiecousins/status/746149291249410050

After all, in other scenarios, Cousins has exhibited behavior of an upbeat guy and solid teammate. Just look at him below laughing at DeAndre Jordan‘s air-balled free throw in last night’s Team USA exhibition against China, then quickly going to high-five his beloved teammates. Who wouldn’t want a fun-loving and agreeable guy like that on their team, right?

But all jokes aside, in Team USA and All-Star competitions, Cousins has displayed a focused attitude of coaching and encouraging teammates as well as holding himself entirely different on the court. His change in demeanor between playing with the Kings and playing on specialized rosters could be proof that in a more favorable situation, he could potentially be a more ideal teammate.

But even if the Jazz were able to somehow receive Cousins’ skill set but leave his poor attitude in Sacramento, it seems like the asking price is still pretty high. Favors might not have the “jump off the page” numbers like Cousins has, but he has shown he is plenty capable and seemed poised for a breakout year last season before he was set back by injuries.

Favors’ career PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is not far behind Cousins’ and he has a slight edge in win shares. Furthermore, Favors has a better career shooting percentage and Cousins averages nearly three times as many turnovers as Favors – all indications that Faves is the higher-IQ player.

Not to mention the fact that while Cousins’ attitude can be a problem on the court and in the locker room, Favors is the polar opposite. He has been nothing but a consummate pro, ideal teammate, and has helped the Jazz maintain strong chemistry during his time with the team.

The value of a team that is in sync and plays for one another can’t be understated.

Also, in terms of chemistry, the Jazz would have to consider that Cousins is without a doubt a center. Would he and Rudy Gobert even be able to co-exist on the court together?

So a swap straight-up between Favors and Cousins could be a tough pill for the Jazz to swallow, despite Boogie’s undeniable talent. But throw up-and-comer Dante Exum into the trade mix and this really gets tough.

Don’t get me wrong, Exum still has a long way to go. But giving up on a 21-year-old with supposed superstar potential this early in his career after missing the entirety of what would have been just his second season does not seem like a good choice.

His length and defensive abilities were already appearing elite near the end of his rookie season and the physical tools and quickness are all there. Giving away Exum and a proven power forward who has been essential to this team’s growing core certainly seems like too great of a gamble for the Jazz to take, even if they were to snag a budding All-Star such as Cousins.

So there it is, my take on the alleged (but probably totally bogus) DeMarcus Cousins trade scenario. While it would be nice to have Cousins’ talent magically imported into the Jazz’s starting five, the hypothetical asking price and risk regarding Boogie’s attitude would just be too high.

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But enough from me, what would do you think Jazz fans? Would you be willing to take a gamble on Cousins? What would you do if this offer was on the table?

All stats courtesy of basketball-reference.com