DeMarcus Cousins was cut by the Nuggets on Friday and then re-signed to a standard 10-day contract, Katy Winge of Altitude TV tweets. The signing was confirmed on NBA.com’s transactions log.
Cousins signed a 10-day contract under the hardship exception on January 21. That contract was initially reported as a standard 10-day deal and the team’s press release did not indicate the hardship exception was used. However, if it had been a standard 10-day, the team wouldn’t have needed to re-sign him within that time frame.
Jamal Murray was still listed on Friday as being in protocols, so perhaps this is an indication he’ll soon be removed from that list. It’s also possible that Cousins wasn’t deemed eligible to play on his hardship deal while Murray was the only Nugget in the protocols, since Murray is still recovering from an injury and wouldn’t have been available anyway.
Cousins has appeared in four games as Nikola Jokic‘s backup, averaging 6.3 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 12.5 MPG.
Cousins, 31, spent a little over five weeks with the Bucks from late November to early January, averaging 9.1 PPG and 5.8 RPG in 17 games (16.9 MPG) for the defending champs. Milwaukee opted to waive the veteran center before his salary for 2021/22 could become fully guaranteed, making him a free agent.
He can sign one more standard 10-day deal with the Nuggets before they must decide whether to give him a rest-of-the-season contract or let him walk.
He needs to be signed. He’s brought a new attitude to that bench unit.
Last night was the first sign Malone can change strategy mid-game benching the overwhelmingly negative factor Facu (3pts/3TO) in favour of letting Bones run the offense. The bench actually built a lead, for the first time this season (I think).
Hope Cousins is here to stay this season. Bones hasn’t shown yet that he can “run” the 2nd unit. He flashes alot of potential, can create and distribute, but he is a ball stopper far too often. He will learn and I like his game overall. A lot of potential
Yes but notice the message is hitting home. Compare his Milwaukee numbers this year to his Denver numbers. Less points but more rebounds in nugget uniform.
My point was that most of Bones’ minutes thus far came alongside Facu, serving as shooting guard. As soon as Facu was benched Bones ran three plays in a row assisting on made baskets.
When Jamal is back he won’t see many minutes but I anticipate them being at PG in garbage time.
Man is going to 10-day his way to a full season.
Boogie surely will stick. Malone loves the guy. He the perfect back up to the Joker.
I like his rebounding. Why is his shot making so atrocious? That he gives Joker a break is awesome but it would be helpful if he offered at little if that old DMC offense.
Denver is used to not relying on Jokic for speedy defense, probably why Cousins looked like he fits… at least so far.