We are 1 or 2 pieces away from making this team a title contender for years to come; and I've just discovered the pieces that will complete our puzzle... hear me out.
Pelicans receive:
Demarcus Cousins
Lebron James
Cavs receive:
Cash Considerations
Eric Gordon
Jeff Withey
Kings receive:
Cash considerations
Omer Asik
Austin Rivers
John Salmons
Why? We could use a small upgrade at the 3, and I think the difference from Tyreke to LBJ is big enough to make a small impact. Lebron has that opt out clause; why would Cleveland want to put themselves through those shenanigans again. They are struggling now; for every step forward they go, they take 2-3 back. Getting Eric Gordon and Jeff Withey, they get Gordon who could come in and fill a temporary need for them. In his past game, EJ has been on fire, averaging 17ppg, 4apg, and a blistering hot 50% from 3pt (over 50% from the field). It's an upward trend for the guy who started out ice cold. If he keeps this up, Gordon quite possibly could opt out, giving Cleveland the much-desired cap space to build around Kyrie (Love gone at the end of the year). Withey is just a consolation to come off the bench for them.
Kings may lose a prominent member of their team, but look at what they get back! They get Austin Rivers, who is having a 6MOY-candidate season, defensive force in the paint in Omer Asik, and hometown hero John Salmons. Everyone loves a homecoming story. Austin rivers gets his own team to create his new beginning (after being named a bust for seasons in New Orleans by locals and media pundits alike). He gets an future all-star crew surrounding him in Omri Casspi, Ben Mackelmore, and Jason Thompson (and of course, Omer Asik teehee).
As for the cash considerations, Benson isn't afraid to spend money to make things happen (see Benson Tower, Pelicans purchase, self-made bronze statue of himselve, etc.)
Let me know what you think. It's a Wednesday morning, and I'm still feeling pretty high off that great team in last night! Let's build off that momentum.