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Cleveland Cavaliers Get: DeMarcus Cousins

New Orleans Pelicans Get: Kevin Love, 2018 first-round pick (via Brooklyn)

I know we just badmouthed practicality, but there are a couple of caveats necessary before getting into this unlikely but intriguing deal.

First, the Pelicans would need to have some sense that Cousins doesn't plan to re-sign with them this summer. So far, all indications are both parties plan to stick together. Second, the Cavs would need some back-channeled assurances that Cousins intends to stick around post-trade as either a) LeBron James' newest high-profile teammate in 2018-19 and beyond, or b) the new face of a post-James Cavs era.

Lots of contingencies, right?

But imagine the shockwaves this would generate.

Cousins might or might not finally fall in line alongside James, the league's top-grade alpha with more clout than anyone. Wouldn't it be fascinating to watch Cousins (possibly) start giving full effort, quit pouting and reach his true potential if James gets authoritative and convinces him to scrap the nonsense. What does a laser-focused Cousins even look like?

Could he be stopped?

Or would Boogie rightly brush off James' hypocritical chatter about commitment and effort, citing the years-long regular-season tradition in Cleveland of half-assing it until the playoffs?

Would Cousins' presence make the Cavs more likely to let James go without a fight this summer? Would both leave? Would Isaiah Thomas, whom Cousins once derided, have something to say on the matter?

Most importantly, if everything somehow went right, would Cousins help the Cavs physically manhandle everyone in their playoff path and give them a bulk advantage against the smaller, quicker Golden State Warriors?

Whatever success the Cavaliers have enjoyed against Golden State in this rivalry has centered around James' ability to bully them. Another bully might be even more effective.

Admit it, you want to see this deal happen.*

*Not applicable to New Orleans fans who would prefer not to piss off Anthony Davis.