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You thought the Lakers were going to steal all the headlines this off season? In one of the more stunning free agency signings in recent memory, the Golden State Warriors have agreed to terms with free agent center DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins will sign a one-year, $5.3M deal with Warriors, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/LaTLH3oOTB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2018
Cousins, who is rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon, reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.3 million.
While shocking on the surface, the move does make sense for both sides. The Warriors just lost Javale McGee to LeBron James and the Lakers, and Cousins gets an opportunity to rehab and return for an expected deep playoff run before hitting free agency again next summer.
Upon Cousins’ return, the Warriors starting lineup is expected to be Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Cousins.
Cousins averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds in 48 games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season.
Update:
Reactions are coming in across the NBA.
In a weird way, this is perfect for Cousins. Rehab slowly, come back whenever, win a ring and enter free agency next summer, when cap space will be everywhere.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) July 3, 2018
ESPN Sources: DeMarcus Cousins had narrowed his choices down to Golden State and Boston.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 3, 2018
To all NBA fans who are pissed off right now, I can tell you this: Many players are even more upset than you.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 3, 2018