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Washington Wizards Trade Ideas: DeMarcus Cousins and a few other notable options

By Evan O'Neill

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 30: John Wall
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 30: John Wall /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 07: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates after tipping in a basket in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 7, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 07: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates after tipping in a basket in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 7, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

This article examines three trade scenarios, including DeMarcus Cousins, which could help the Washington Wizards reach their goal of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Washington Wizards are well into their, (so far underwhelming), 2017-18 campaign. The Wizkids currently sit in the seventh spot in the East, 13-11, while John Wall is dealing with knee problems again.

It hasn’t been all bad news, though. Otto Porter Jr. has shown that’s he’s  well worth his huge contract. Emerging as a true two-way player, and has arguably been the best player on the Wizards so far.

Kelly Oubre Jr. has had a breakout year as well. He’s helped the Wizards’ bench immensely, and meshes well with the starting lineup. Not to mention that he’s been first team all fashion.

With that said, the Wizards should be looking to make a move to take them to the next level. Here are three glaring possibilities they need to look at.

First, the home run: DeMarcus Cousins

Any Wizards fan reading this has probably been holding on to the hope, that some day Wall and DeMarcus Cousins will relive their glory days at Kentucky, and team up again in D.C.

Marcin Gortat has great chemistry in pick and rolls. While there’s almost no chance the Wizards would get a player in return that shops with a pig and maybe joined the Polish Army for the summer. However, as he’s aging, his motor is starting to slow and his defense is lacking. Cousins can make up for this by grinding down low, spacing the floor, and running with the Wizards up-tempo style.

Unfortunately, this is the most unlikely trade of the three. Boogie and Anthony Davis have been playing incredibly well in New Orleans, and barring some sort of a meltdown, the Pelicans won’t be looking to deal either of them.

The other problem comes from the Wizards’ end. The Wizards would certainly have to part ways with Otto Porter. While getting Boogie is a no-brainer, Porter has shown he’s pretty indispensable and filling his role would be tough.

That brings us to the next option: DeAndre Jordan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Clippers have had the most disappointing season in the league so far. After Blake Griffin’s knee injury, it looks like they’re ready to make a change. They won’t trade their cornerstone in Griffin. But DeAndre Jordan has been in trade talks for years and it would be shocking if he finished this season in a Clippers jersey.

The Wizards could use Jordan in pick and rolls with Wall and Bradley Beal (just imagine those lobs from Wall to Jordan). He can also run the floor, rebound, and provide some much-needed defense and rim protection for the Wizards.

The best part for the Wizards is that they could possibly get this deal done without giving up Porter. I’m not so sure how the trade would look, but it could include Gortat, a role player or two and a pick, could likely get it done.

Finally, the safe bet (and maybe my favorite): Jordan Clarkson

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 06: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers and his teammates on the bench react after Clarkson made a three-point shot late in the fourth period against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Staples Center on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Suns 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 06: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers and his teammates on the bench react after Clarkson made a three-point shot late in the fourth period against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Staples Center on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Suns 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

The Wizards’ biggest problem for years has been the bench. We’ve finally seen some good bench play this year in the absence of John Wall, but still nothing really exciting. The Wizards are missing something major–a true sixth man.

Oubre has been big this year, but he’s not a go-to scorer. He plays hard, defends well, and has improved his three-point shooting, which makes him a perfect complement to a go-to scorer.

That’s exactly what the Wizards would get in Jordan Clarkson. He can score in bunches and has improved a lot as a playmaker. Coach Scott Brooks could also cycle him in with the starters which would make his job much easier, allowing him to stagger minutes more and have even more flexibility down the stretch.

The Lakers are certainly looking at trades for Clarkson at this point. This would be a perfect move for the Wizards to jump at and still keep their core together.

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