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Cousins & Davis

Just a few hours after the 66th NBA All-Star game ended Sacramento Kings star player, DeMarcus Cousins was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for Tyreke Evans, Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, one 2017 first-round and second-round draft picks. While Cousins definitely has some maturing to do on the court no one can deny the talent that he brings to the game. Also, the Kings never did a good job building around their former franchise player. It seemed every year Cousins was playing for a new coaching staff, and the Kings front office did a poor job of surrounding Cousins with talent. The Kings are obviously in rebuild mode now with the departure of Cousins. I wouldn't be surprised if more moves are made by the Kings before the trade deadline.

On the New Orleans side of town does this trade make the Pelicans a contender in the Western Conference? I still believe the Pelicans need to address a few positions on their roster to become contenders. Jrue Holiday becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's only 26 years old, but I don't believe he's the answer at the point guard position. One of the first point guards that came to my mind was Chris Paul. He'll be a free agent by the end of the 2018 season. Paul started his career in New Orleans and so far his career with the Clippers still hasn't landed him in the conference finals. Paul would also bring veteran leadership to a young team and that is something that Davis and Cousins would benefit from directly. Another point guard worth mentioning is Derrick Rose who's set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer as well. The Knicks have been an embarrassment to the NBA this season and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Rose parted ways.

Chris Paul

One thing is for sure and that's the future of the Pelicans is very bright. When is the last time that we've seen a roster with the best two big men on the same team together? They have the foundation to become something special sooner than later. We can now see how Cousins will react in an entirely new environment. Many people felt a fresh start in another city would be good for Cousins. Only time will tell, but if he can mature on the court becoming an asset instead of a distraction then the sky is the limit for this team.