NBA Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins May Not Sign Contract Extension With Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans sent shockwaves throughout the NBA while hosting the All-Star game on Sunday. Heading into the annual event, a rumor surfaced about the Sacramento Kings and Pelicans talking about a deal involving DeMarcus Cousins. The trade rumor seemed to be a stretch, but it turned out to be a reality.
Once the NBA All-Star Game was over with the Western Conference coming out on top and Anthony Davis earning MVP honors, New Orleans acquired DeMarcus Cousins for a trade package involving rookie Buddy Hield, draft picks, and a few role players.
Although Cousins and Davis will make up arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA, the new Pelicans center may not be open to signing an extension with the team. Cousins’ agent, Jarinn Akana, said the following about his client’s intentions, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
But DeMarcus Cousins' agent Jarinn Akana tells ESPN that Cousins is unlikely to sign a summer extension with any team that trades for him
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 20, 2017
Obviously, anything can change once Cousins is playing in a new city with a legitimate superstar playing alongside him. Although Cousins may ultimately change his mind, his agent didn’t mince words, via Stein:
Akana: "Under the circumstances … I would find it highly unlikely DeMarcus would re-sign with a team that trades for him at this point"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 20, 2017
As of Monday, Cousins and Davis are among the top five players in the NBA in scoring. The scoring average of both players is almost identical with Cousins putting up 27.8 points per game and Davis coming in at 27.7.
It remains to be seen whether this pairing of two of the league’s best big man will work, but as of right now, New Orleans have put themselves in a great position to be a force in the West for the foreseeable future.
