One of the biggest names on the free agent market this offseason has been in the headlines this week as a result of his recent Instagram activity (unfollowing the Pelicans on social media and liking comments about playing for whoever offers him the max contract this offseason).
Despite an ACL tear that cost him most of this season, the New Orleans Pelicans big man will be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. His career average of a double-double, ability to cover both power forwards and centers, and an improved three-point range will undoubtedly lead him to a massive contract.
After years of suffering in Sacremento and a brief stint in New Orleans, Cousins will finally have a chance to decide where he would like to spend the next stage of his career. Here are the three best fits for the former Kentucky big man.
Washington Wizards
After a disappointing second half of the season, the Washington Wizards need to revitalize their roster to keep up with the top teams in the East. The recent rumors of Washington getting aggressive in the trade market to shed cap space point to their desire to lure a big money free agent. Could the long-awaited John Wall-DeMarcus Cousins reunion finally be on the verge of happening?
It would make perfect sense if the Wizards are capable of pulling it off. Could you imagine a pick-and-roll (and occasionally a pick-and-pop) with John Wall and Demarcus Cousins? Marcin Gortat and Markief Morris were simply not enough of a threat inside to open up the floor this season. Opposing teams were able to clog up the lane and stop Wall from getting to the basket in the half-court set. Having to contend with Cousins down low would make life much easier for John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr.
There is little question the former Wildcats would love to team up again, but the question remains, will the Wizards clear enough cap space to be able to land the talented center?
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are the most intriguing potential fit for Cousins. If money is important, the Lakers can spend it. If he wants to win, Magic Johnson will surround him with anyone he wants to form a new super team with. If a Kentucky connection is valuable, the Lakers are already planning on resigning Julius Randle, who took a step forward in his development this season.
Perhaps, the most underrated element in his decision is his personality. Cousins can be quite the character on and off the court at times, and whereas other franchises would want him to tone it down, LA would embrace it. The city is all about generating excitement and would welcome the larger-than-life center with open arms.
The Lakers will be big spenders this offseason and Cousins is certainly on their radar. A potential starting five of Lonzo Ball, Paul George, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and DeMarcus Cousins would re-establish the Lakers as one of the top teams in the West, but will it come to fruition?
New Orleans Pelicans
It would not be a surprise if Cousins remained with the Pelicans when it was all said and done this offseason. By all accounts, he has enjoyed his time in New Orleans and has developed quite the chemistry with Anthony Davis.
That being said, money is the biggest issue here. The Pelicans will not be able to keep the bulk of their roster and offer a max contract without entering the luxury tax threshold. However, if they are looking to take the next step towards title contention, they should be motivated to pay for the privilege.
There is little doubt Cousins will enter free agency looking elsewhere, but it is difficult to ignore the possibility of him signing an extension with New Orleans.
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