Factory Of Sadness
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Not counting LeBron James, 5 players on a Cavs’ free-agent wish list

By Nick Dudukovich

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Boogie Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins is coming off an injury and is an unrestricted free agent. To get him on the roster, the Cavs would have to get to the salary cap apron so they could accept a player in a sign-and-trade.

You’ve got to wonder where the Pelicans are at this point. Anthony Davis is a superstar who just got his first taste of the playoffs and arguably, New Orleans played better without Cousins.

New Orleans may not even offer Cousins a max contract, instead, going him a three-year deal.

If your Cousins, this is obviously less than ideal.

So what if Dan Gilbert comes to save the day? “Sure DeMarcus, I’ll give you a max contract. Let’s do sign-and-trade.”

By now, you’re familiar with the Cavs’ financial situation. They can’t simply go out and sign a player, nor can the team receiver a player in a sign-and-trade because they’re a repeat offender of being in the luxury tax. They must reach the tax  apron to bring back a player in a sign-and-trade.

With New Orleans seemingly not to enthused to lock up Cousins long term, it will be interesting to watch what he receives should a sign-and-trade take place. Remember, the Cavs have to say under the apron even after they receive a player.

It’s possible though, although it would probably take sending Kevin Love or George Hill.

But with the rumors of Cleveland looking to clear cap space, Cousins could be a viable option especially if the Cavs are willing to give the years that the Pelicans won’t.

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