The Golden State Warriors beefed up their frontcourt by signing All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins into a one-year $5.3 million deal.
The 27-year-old Cousins also received mutual interests from the New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards before eventually deciding to join the two-time defending champions.
Cousins missed the most part of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon injury. Nonetheless, he still stuffed out the stat sheet averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks in 48 games played. During those 48 games, Cousins displayed great resolve as he steered the Pelicans into an impressive 27-21 win-loss record.
Cousins joined forces with Rajon Rondo, Anthony Davis, and Jrue Holiday after being traded by the Sacramento Kings to the Pelicans in the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend. He played more than six seasons with the Kings.
Following his season-ending injury, the Pelicans decided to make a trade for Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls in hopes of going deep into the playoffs. New Orleans managed to do just that as it swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Pelicans decided to part ways with Cousins after signing free agent big man Julius Randle on Monday.
Big Help For The Golden State Warriors
Cousins is set to bolster the already powerhouse starting lineup of the Warriors that features Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The All-Star center who is still recovering from his injury is expected to be back in the sometime on December or January.
The Warriors utilized its taxpayer mid-level exception to complete its negotiations with Cousins. The versatile center would be a perfect replacement for big man JaVale McGee who signed earlier with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Stephen Curry Welcomes DeMarcus Cousins
No less than Curry, a two-time league MVP welcomed the addition of Cousins to the lineup even stating that he is the third Splash Brother. Cousins had decent shooting percentages last season, making 47 percent of his baskets from the field and 35.4 percent from the three-point distance.
"The 3rd Splash Brother. Let's go @boogiecousins," Curry wrote.
Cousins was looking to sign a long-term contract with a maximum salary but failed to land one due to his injury. Prior to the devastating injury, Cousins was expected to receive a maximum contract in free agency.
The two-time All-NBA team member will have a chance to prove his worth once he's cleared to play, as Cousins will be returning to the free agent market next year.
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