Wednesday Quickies: DeMarcus Cousins Free Agency Edition

It wasn’t that long ago that DeMarcus Cousins was among the top big men in the NBA.

He was dominant with the Sacramento Kings, regularly recording double-doubles and had numbers among the best in the league. Then, a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans where he teamed up with fellow former Wildcat Anthony Davis. Cousins proved his worth there and was likely well on his way to signing a max contract that summer.

Then the Achilles injury.

This year was supposed to be Boogie’s “prove it” year for the rest of the league. He signed a one-year contract with the Warriors, a team that didn’t need to rush him back and where he could easily transition back into the game without being the focal point of an offense.

But Cousins struggled to return to old form, and then more injuries came along, topped off with an NBA Finals performance that was less-than-desirable.

Now, Cousins is on the market again and he won’t be going back to Golden State. It looks like the market is shoring up for the former #5 overall pick.

Cousins will once again likely sign another one-year deal in an effort to prove he is worth a long-term contract with a lot more money involved. Right now though, it’s unclear where that will be and just how much he will sign for.

Very few teams have a lot of cap space left. Cousins could potentially join the Lakers on a minimum deal, where he will be playing with AD, LeBron James, and possibly Kawhi Leonard. Dallas could be an option, as could the Clippers and possibly the Heat. Maybe a return to Sacramento?

Who knows, but it is a situation you hate to see unfold for Cousins. He has developed somewhat of a negative reputation in the NBA, but Kentucky fans know the person he is and it is hard to see him go from where he was to where he is now.

I think Cousins still has a lot left in the tank and can be a valuable piece for a contender. The first year back from a devastating injury is always extremely difficult, and I would expect Cousins to improve noticeably in his second year back. Hopefully a team will give him an offer soon and he can prove the doubters wrong.

Tweets of the Day

Big night for Keldon last night.

I’m ready for this team to hit the court.

Quickies

What starting lineup will Calipari use next season? - Courier Journal

Cal will have a ton of options.

DeMarcus Cousins still searching for a team - Herald Leader

It looks like the market is shoring up for Boogie.

Kentucky making Jalen Green a priority - Cats Pause

Green is one of the top players in 2020.

Kentucky Football keeping momentum going - Herald Leader

It’s now up to Stoops and Co. to hold on to the highly-touted recruits.

Four Cats make SEC first-year honor roll - KSR

Tyler, Keldon, Reid and Zan representing UK well.

NCAA hands down punishments to UCONN, Kevin Ollie - KSR

Two years probation for the Huskies.

Goalkeeping heroics send USWNT to World Cup finals - Yahoo

The U.S. advanced past England thanks to Alyssa Naeher.

76ers offer Ben Simmons max contract - ESPN

Simmons about to get paid.

Why the Warriors’ collapse feels so abrupt - ESPN

Are the Warriors actually collapsing?

How much will Boogie sign for? - Bleacher Report

Cousins may get a contract under the mid-level.

Lawyers say Chuck Person joined bribery scandal because he was broke - Bleacher Report

Poor financial management was the primary factor in his involvement

Why didn’t Suns pursue D’Angelo Russell? - Yahoo

A Russell-Booker backcourt could’ve been interesting.