The Los Angeles Lakers waived DeMarcus Cousins in order to make room for Markieff Morris late last week, ending Cousins’ tenure with the Lakers before it even started.
Los Angeles signed Cousins over the summer, but the big man tore his ACL in a scrimmage, effectively ending his year.
There was some chatter that Cousins could potentially return for the playoffs, but that seems like a pipe dream at best at this point.
However, he will surely draw some interest in free agency this offseason.
Here are three of the best possible landing spots for Cousins over the summer:
3. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks haven’t had many problems this season, as they own the best record in the NBA, but one area that could use some patching up is the center position.
Brook Lopez has taken a rather big step back this year, as he hasn’t been quite the three-point marksman he was last season, and while Robin Lopez is a solid backup, he is pretty much just that at this stage: a backup.
So why not take a chance on Cousins?
Giannis Antetokounmpo could certainly use another scorer alongside of him, and even if Cousins likely won’t ever be the same player again, he will probably be able to get buckets in spurts.
Plus, Cousins can space the floor a little bit, which is exactly how Milwaukee builds its offense around Antetokounmpo.
2. Houston Rockets
The Rockets basically don’t even have a center after trading away Clint Capela.
Yes, Isaiah Hartenstein is on the roster, but Houston doesn’t seem to have a whole lot of faith in him as someone who can play big minutes. At least not right now.
That has essentially left P.J. Tucker as the Rockets’ center, which, even in an era where small ball reigns king, is not going to get it done.
Cousins can step in and provide some bulk up front, as well as a fine pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop partner for James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
And let’s face it: right now, Houston just needs whatever size it can get.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers were viewed as a potential fit for DeMarcus Cousins this past summer, but he ultimately signed with the Lakers.
If there is one area where the Clips can use some help, it’s at the center position, where they have Ivica Zubac and not much else.
To be fair, the Clippers employ small-ball lineups most of the time, with Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris both capable of playing the 5, but it would be nice for LA to have some more established size.
Cousins has already proven that he is okay with deferring, as he was the fourth option (at best) on the Golden State Warriors last season.
I think at this point, Cousins just wants to win, and knowing his injury history, he would probably be willing to sacrifice some touches for the good of team success.
The Clippers are already loaded as it is, and adding a talent like Cousins would just make them that much more stacked.
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