NBA Trade Rumors: Nets Trying to Deal for DeMarcus Cousins to Get Dwight Howard?

The New Jersey Nets failed in their initial attempt to acquire Orlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard, but they might be trying to pull the right strings in order to get things moving in the right direction once again.

The key piece could be Sacramento King DeMarcus Cousins, who the Nets have shown interest in acquiring.

Cousins had another falling-out with head coach Paul Westphal and while the Kings haven't actually made Cousins available, that hasn't stopped teams from calling.

Cousins is bad news for a young team that's rebuilding and learning how to win. He comes with baggage and with much more of his immature behavior, the Kings could start fielding offers sooner rather than later.

Amongst all the baggage, he's very talented. He has the potential to become a double-double machine on a nightly basis.

He's the perfect guy for the Nets to go after, with their eyes on Howard.

It would be wise to first make a point to acquire Cousins. If anything, it will give New Jersey a solid frontcourt for the next few years.

The ultimate goal here, though, is Howard, so Cousins would be a good trade chip to immediately turn around and throw into a package for Howard. If the Magic weren't too excited about Brook Lopez, Cousins and his upside at least will have to pique their interest.

Taking a run at Cousins is a win-win situation for the Nets.

The worst-case scenario is that he's in a Nets uniform for the foreseeable future. If they strike it rich though, New Jersey would just be a pit stop for Cousins as he would be on his way to Orlando.