The Houston Rockets decision to waive former All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins threw a lot of people for a loop. While the 30-year-old Cousins is no longer the player that dominated for the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans earlier in his career, he’s still a darn good big man.
Thus far this season, Cousins is averaging 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He’s also played some pretty solid defense for Houston after missing the entire 2019-20 campaign to a torn ACL.
Now that the center is on the open market, here’s a look at five ideal DeMarcus Cousins destinations
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DeMarcus Cousins signs with the Los Angeles Lakers
This is the most obvious choice. Cousins signed with the Lakers ahead of last season, only to suffer a torn ACL before the campaign started. The defending champs instead had to rely on fellow veteran JaVale McGee.
This season, Los Angeles just doesn’t have the same traditional center. Marc Gasol has proven to be a shell of his former self. Montrezl Harrell playing small-ball five leaves a lot to be desired on defense. It’s in this that Cousins is a perfect fit in Southern California.
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DeMarcus Cousins joins the Brooklyn Nets
We already know that the Nets are interested in adding another big to go with DeAndre Jordan following the trade of Jarrett Allen. At issue here for Brooklyn is a lack of cap space and assets to pull off a trade for someone like Andre Drummond. It’s going to force these Nets into the buyout and free-agent markets.
That’s where Cousins comes into play. He could spell Jordan at times. Heck, the two could play together with Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the court. Imagine the mismatches that would create as these Nets attempt to vie for the Eastern Conference title.
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DeMarcus Cousins signs with the Golden State Warriors
At 16-15 on the season, Golden State is currently the eighth seed out west. The team has played some good overall basketball despite inconsistencies. The one issue here has been at center. Rookie No. 2 pick James Wiseman and veteran Kevon Looney are both sidelined. It’s forced Draymond Green to play the five. Not ideal.
Expected to be active ahead of the March 25 NBA trade deadline, it would not be a surprise if the Warriors made a play for Cousins. He played with the team back in 2018-19, averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He’s an obvious fit in Steve Kerr’s system. This just makes too much sense.
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DeMarcus Cousins joins the Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban’s search for a traditional big man will likely include Andre Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins. He’s been on the look out for centers of this ilk ever since DeAndre Jordan departed. With the struggles next to Kristaps Porzingis inside, it makes perfect sense for Dallas to kick the tires on Cousins.
He’d be an offensive threat to go with Luka Doncic and Porzingis. He can expand the Mavericks’ frontcourt game to the outside, providing Doncic with some more help in the process. We know Cuban is already thinking about Cousins in Big D. Will it end up happening?
DeMarcus Cousins signs with the Boston Celtics
General manager Danny Ainge is expected to be pretty darn active ahead of the March 25 NBA trade deadline. With his team boasting a 15-14 record, Ainge has made it clear that upgrades need to be made. Reportedly, that includes out on the wing and at center.
Look for Boston to upgrade both areas. However, center remains a pressing need. Robert Williams and Grant Williams have not taken their games to the next level. Meanwhile, Daniel Theis leaves a lot to be desired. Cousins would be a tremendous asset off the bench for Boston, enabling them to pull off a trade for a wing in the process.