Free agency is not off to a good start for DeMarcus Cousins.
After playing important minutes in the NBA Finals, the Warriors are not bringing him back. Instead, they have added Willie Cauley-Stein and re-signed Kevon Looney to fill out the center position.
Coming off of two bad injuries, Cousins appeared in 30 games for Golden State last season, averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds. However, despite interest from the Celtics and Heat, there is “no market” for Cousins according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ideally, Cousins would sign a cheap, short-term deal with a team to show that he can still be a top big man in the NBA. Cousins, 28, is a four-time All-Star, and averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds in his last fully healthy season before going down with his achilles injury.
While no teams seem to be interested in Cousins as of now, here are a few teams in need of a center that would fit well for him.
Dallas has their duo of the future in place long-term. The team signed recent acquisition Kristaps Porzingis to a new contract to pair with Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic. In free agency, the Mavs have signed guards Seth Curry and JJ Barea, as well as forwards Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Cousins could be a good acquisition for Dallas. Him at the center position, with Porzingis as the stretch-four could prove to be a good big man combination.
If Cousins, as well as Porzingis, who missed all of last season with an ACL tear, can prove to be healthy, the Mavs can be a good team in the West.
The offseason has not been kind to the New York Knicks. The team missed out on the number one pick, as well as losing out on free agents Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, who signed with the cross-town Brooklyn Nets instead. Owner James Dolan‘s negative impact on the franchise appears to seen by marquee free agents.
The Knicks drafted Duke guard RJ Barrett with the third pick, and signed Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Reggie Bullock among others, all to two-three year contracts. Cousins could build up his value if he joined the Knicks.
Cousins in the 2019 NBA Finals. Photo credited to Getty Images.
Cousins and Randle would be the primary scoring options on a team with some promising young pieces. While the Knicks likely won’t be in playoff contention next year, Cousins could put up big numbers again, proving he’s worthy of another long-term deal.
Coming into the offseason, the Clippers were poised to be one of the most attractive free agent destinations. The team has been quiet so far in anticipation of their meeting with Kawhi Leonard. If Leonard decides to join the Lakers or stay in Toronto, Cousins should be a signing they look at.
With Patrick Beverly returning to lead a young core of talent, the Clippers will be a playoff team once again. Cousins could help them at the center position, as Ivica Zubac is the team’s only listed center.
Again, Cousins needs an opportunity to get his value up, as well as compete. Joining a solid Clippers team as one of the main offensive options could be a good move for both parties.
Featured image credited to Getty Images.
Stats credited to basketball-reference.com.
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