One of the biggest names set to hit the open market this offseason, Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins will have a unique set of circumstances compared to other stars with expiring contracts.
After Cousins ruptured his Achilles in the midst of another All-Star caliber season, the Pelicans actually seemed to play better basketball without him in the lineup. New Orleans went on a minor playoff run without him, thanks in no small part to the historic play from fellow big Anthony Davis. Now with his free agency just around the corner, Cousins told ESPN’s Marc Spears he would be open to a reunion with the Pels but maintains he wants to play for a contender:
Are you open to re-signing with New Orleans if the deal is right?
Oh yeah, for sure. This is my first time in free agency, but I’ve been around this business long enough. I know how things work. I’m not out here trying to hold a grudge or anything like that. I’m going to make the best decision for me, and I believe teams are going to do the same thing…
I’m going to make the absolute best decision for DeMarcus Cousins. We’ll see what that is. As of right now, I don’t really know. I can’t answer that. Would I like to go back to New Orleans? I’m very open to that. I love what we created. I love what was created after I went down. I would love to be part of it. But I’m going to do what’s best for me, and I feel they’ll do the same.
What’s the ideal free-agency destination for you?
Somewhere I’d be appreciated and a contender. A team that’s ready to contend.
There’s no doubt DeMarcus Cousins will have one of the most interesting free agency periods this summer. The Pelicans played a quality brand of basketball without him this season but it’s hard to put a value on the elite offensive threat that Cousins provides on the interior.
If the Pelicans opt to let Cousins test the waters, there will be a number of teams lining up for his services, though his potentially debilitating Achilles injury could simmer interest slightly.
Fringe contending teams in need of an additional scorer could make a hard run at Cousins but his love for New Orleans is apparent and his bond with Davis remains strong. Ultimately, he could end up staying put through his first free agency period, given New Orleans offers the right amount of money.
