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DeMarcus Cousins' move to the LA Clippers was a turnaround he desperately needed at this stage of his career. After a terrible last few seasons plagued by injuries, the big man is all set to enter the off-season healthy.
Cousins started the 2020-21 NBA season with the Houston Rockets before they bought him out mid-way through the campaign. The LA Clippers decided to sign him on multiple 10-day contracts and then on a permanent one till the end of the season.
It turned out to be a great move, as the former All-Star helped the LA Clippers massively during the playoffs, considering the plethora of injuries plaguing the team. DeMarcus Cousins showed that he still has a lot to offer and could be an interesting target for many teams in free agency.
On that note, let's have a look at three teams that should look to pursue the former Sacramento Kings center this off-season.
Three plausible destinations for De Marcus Cousins this off-season
#3 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are a team likely to actively pursue centers in the market this off-season. DeMarcus Cousins is certainly way past his starting-caliber days but is a remarkable option to have coming off the bench.
The Hornets lacked bench production last season and would do great with someone like Cousins putting in efficient shifts in the middle of games.
He is also an experienced player and could help the youthful Hornets team make significant progress next season. The Charlotte Hornets are a team that could give Cousins a more prominent role than other teams in pursuit of the player. He won't occupy much cap space either, which would allow the Hornets to use their resources on other starting-calibre players in the market.
Also Read: Should Kawhi Leonard leave the LA Clippers despite his injury? Evaluating options for the 2-time NBA Finals MVP this off-season.
#2 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers acquired DeMarcus Cousins ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season. But the big man was ruled out for the entire campaign because of an injury and did not take the court for the Purple and Gold. The Lakers were in the market for Cousins this season as well but chose to acquire Andre Drummond instead.
While Cousins won't help the Lakers improve massively at the defensive end, his size is still intimidating at that end, something that isn't easy to deal with for opponents. Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell both did not turn out the kind of performances the Lakers hoped from them, so Cousins could be a target worth pursuing for the team
Cousins is still a decent three-point shooter and could gel well with the likes of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who work best with big men who can move around. Cousins showed with the LA Clippers this season that he can offer quick-scoring punches off the bench, something the Lakers could certainly benefit from.
Moreover, the 2020 NBA champions do not have much flexibility with their cap situation. DeMarcus Cousins would be a cheaper yet highly efficient option in the market for them, in that perspective.
Lakeshow don't have many trade assets either, which limits them from entering the trade market to acquire a dominant backup center.
#1 LA Clippers
Like the LA Lakers, the LA Clippers will likely struggle with cap space too. Re-signing DeMarcus Cousins will be necessary for multiple other reasons as well.
Serge Ibaka could exercise his player option this summer after returning from back surgery. Ivica Zubac will likely play a prominent role in that case, which makes it necessary to have another big in the form of Cousins to provide cover.
Cousins could fill in the way he did during the playoffs and could even regain some form during the regular season. He has already been a part of the Clippers, which should make things easier for him, the rest of the players and Ty Lue to find a role for Cousins in the roster.
DeMarcus Cousins averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, which are respectable numbers considering that the player featured in only 17.4 minutes per game during the 2020-21 season.
