5 NBA Trades That Make Sense This Summer

BOSTON: Finally getting DeMarcus Cousins would be the prototypical Danny Ainge move. Considered by many to be the best big man in the game, Cousins would immediately help propel Boston back to Eastern Conference title contention.

Even though they maxed out Al Horford this past summer, if the chance of getting Cousins came up, Ainge wouldn’t think twice. I actually believe a Horford/Cousins pairing would work well with Horford’s ability to hit the outside shot. Horford’s leadership presence next to Cousins would be something highly undervalued also.

Giving up the budding youngster in Smart and the two Brooklyn first rounders would be extremely tough, but if Boston wants to win now, this would be a move they couldn’t pass up.

SACRAMENTO: The Kings still look to be on the outside looking into the playoffs and for that reason, they have to finally pull the trigger and trade Boogie Cousins. Plus, with the way the team has drafted over the past two years, it makes it easier to sell to the fan base with young big men waiting in the distance.

Marcus Smart could be special. He would come in as the unquestioned starting point guard on a young Sacramento team that will be built on youth. This would be his team and they would allow him to grow into his potential.

Next: 5 Players Under the Most Pressure Next Season

The biggest piece of this deal would obviously be the two unprotected first round picks from Brooklyn over the next two years. With the Nets looking to be the worst team in the league next season, the 2017 first rounder is likely to be a top 3 pick in a loaded draft. Combine that with the fact that 2018 looks to be the same story, the Kings could get two consecutive top 5 picks to go along with Smart.

This would be a win-win for both teams with different agendas.