How the Mavericks can turn Nerlens Noel into DeMarcus Cousins
By Reid Hanson
Don’t rule out the possibility of the Dallas Mavericks figuring a way to turn Nerlens Noel into DeMarcus Cousins later this season.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: There’s trade talk surrounding DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins this year and the Mavericks are one of the teams said to be interested. If that sounds familiar it’s probably because that rumor seems to circulate every season.
But just because that rumor hasn’t ever resulted in a Mavericks and Boogie marriage, doesn’t mean it never will. The facts of the matter are DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best big men in the NBA, and because of a few abrasive characteristics he always seems to find himself on the market.
Furthermore, the Mavs have made no secret of their love for the 27-year-old free agent to-be and are expected to get in on the bidding war when he tests the waters of the open market this summer.
Why not take a stab at the guy this spring and see if they, the Dallas Mavericks, can sell Cousins on their franchise before the other suitors start lining up?
Who’s courting whom?
Because that’s the real question these days. No longer are players trying to entice franchises to spend all their money, now franchises are lining up to throw money at the players. It’s an unintentional consequence of capping the amount teams can pay max players.
Note: If that last sentence seems counter intuitive, catch up here Price Controls Hurt the Mavs. It explains how the market is manipulated by spending limits and the world would be a better place if those limits didn’t exist and teams could spend whatever they wanted.
It stands to reason, DeMarcus Cousins, at age 28 (when the 2018-19 season begins), wants to play meaningful basketball for a contender. The Mavs, in a full-on rebuilding mode, are not a very likely contender, therefore not a very attractive option.
In other words, if you’re ugly you better have one hell of a personality.
Why would the Mavericks want to trade for a player likely to leave only months later? To show off that fantastic personality, of course!
Do you love the Mavs? Apply here and join our writing team!
Nerlens Noel for DeMarus Cousins?
Ok, obviously a Nerlens for Boogie swap by itself isn’t going to get it done. Noel’s stock is in the crapper since he’s been ruled out for “injury”, all after pouting his way to the end of Rick Carlisle’s bench.
More from Dallas Mavericks
- Dallas Mavericks Free Agency: 3 Roster Burning Questions
- ‘Dirk Overrated?’ Where does the Mavericks star rank among big men?
- Dallas Mavericks: 1 Possible trade scenario to solve their issues
- 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Where will the Dominoes fall?
- Mavericks new draft odds crucial to team’s future outlook
This mysterious injury sounds a lot like Rajon Rondo’s addition-by-subtraction move a couple years ago.
But the 23-year old Noel has skills and boatloads of potential.
The amount of which is only trumped by every GM and coach thinking that they’re the guys who will finally break through and develop this kid.
If the Mavs can package up Josh Roberts’ expiring contract and Wesley Matthews, and throw in a first round draft pick, they could make a compelling case.
New Orleans needs new young talent AND players who can win now.
They could use a veteran wing who can score, defend, and contribute right now.
Next: Are the playoffs suddenly a possibility for the Mavs?
What must first happen…
Finally, what must first happen is the New Orleans Pelicans have to crater. They are currently 14-14 and holding onto the 7th seed in the West. As long as they’re competing they won’t want to sell at the NBA trade deadline.