Once viewed as a lock for a long-term, maximum-salary contract, DeMarcus Cousins has seen his free agent value complicated by his recovery from an Achilles tear. Appearing on ESPN on Tuesday, Adrian Wojnarowski suggested that the Pelicans will likely look to re-sign Cousins on a shorter-term deal in order to evaluate how he looks following that Achilles injury (Twitter link via Sagar Trika).
Wojnarowski’s report echoes one we heard from his ESPN colleague Zach Lowe in April. At the time, Lowe wrote that New Orleans had internally discussed the possibility of offering Cousins a two- or three-year contract worth less than the max. While Lowe didn’t believe that sort of offer would go over well with Cousins’ camp, he noted that the club has a good amount of leverage, given the lack of teams around the NBA with significant cap room.
Although the Pelicans probably won’t offer Cousins a lucrative four- or five-year contract, they do want him back — Wojnarowski noted on Tuesday that as long as Anthony Davis is in New Orleans, he wants Cousins there with him (Twitter link via Trika).
Still, the Pelicans won’t be the only team in the mix. According to Wojnarowski (Twitter link via Trika), the Mavericks are another club to watch, though Dallas’ approach to draft night could impact the club’s interest level in Cousins. If the Mavs land a big man like Mohamed Bamba on June 21, it would reduce their need for a veteran center.
There may not be many other teams with substantial cap room who will make a run at Cousins, but Wojnarowski warns not to discount the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal involving the free-agent-to-be (Twitter link via Trika). Acquiring a reliable wing in lieu of re-signing Cousins might appeal to the Pelicans. One hypothetical scenario that has been discussed by multiple reporters would see Cousins head to Washington in a deal involving Otto Porter, though there would be a few roadblocks in the way of such a swap.
Cousins for Otto Porter makes so much sense for both teams.
That would be a perfect fit for both teams
Cousins would never be traded straight up for Otto Porter
i meann he was traded to NOLA for nothing
Porter isnt the answer for us, Aubrey has more upside at this point, which is why the Wiz are throwing porters name out there
The deal would be have to be Gortat, Porter and a 1st rounder and 2nd rounder for Cousins and Solomon Hill or E’twann Moore
Why trade? He’s unrestricted!
Wizards don’t have any cap room to sign him they have to do a sign and trade to get him.
Jesus….
“Sign and trade”
Right, a top 10-15 player in the league when healthy for an above average player making max salary…just insanity. Makes more sense for the wizards than the pelicans. But I guess the injury risk mitigates some of the difference. I think porter is a solid player, but he isn’t a difference maker like cousins.
I agree, I wouldn’t do this deal if I’m the Pels
Achilles injuries can be career ending, so there is a lot of risk w cousins – plus look at his teams history – both Sacramento and NO ultimately played better basketball without him – so no guarantee he is the answer for anyone
Love cousins on the knicks
[serious] if both centers opt out in NY, would the knicks make any sense if he is willing to take a shorter term deal?
If Cousins is accepting a short term deal, why would he leave Pels.
Because I’m irrationally optimistic
Cousins to Dallas for Harrison Barnes +?
Isn’t it a bit early to be drinking?
I’d still love to see the Lakers get this guy and PG.
Bucks sign and trade for Bledsoe, Thon, Henson and a 1st?
Go look at Elton Brand post torn achillies. Same position, similar build. Similar age. The drop off was significant. Huge gamble. When will he be ready? It took Gay I believe 9 months from the injury. But is Boogie in shape even? Never was a workout warrior.
For sure I cannot see him ever been the player he was, specially this season MVP numbers, but still can be a very useful guy in a young team like Dallas or specially the Lakers I would love to see him there with maybe PG13, so the Lakers could line up with
Lonzo Ball
PG13
Brandon Ingram
Julius Randle/Kyle Kuzma
DMC
that would be a scary tall & athletic team, very bright future for Lakers if they can pull it off, they really need a SG & C not SF that is covered.
If they are gonna do a deal with the Wizards, it has to be beal and Aubrey. Porter is way too inconsistent and seems like he is disinterested during games. We have to get out of Solomon Hill’s contract. They should go after Grant from OKC, he would fit well, has lenght and very active
O mysteries of sign’n’trade.
Rick Carlisle won’t coach that knuckle head.