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2018 NBA Free Agency: Boogie and LeBron to the Lakers?

Ryan Murphy

by Ryan Murphy in NBA Basketball

Updated Mar 28, 2020 · 3:46 PM PDT

DeMarcus Cousins at the free throw line
DeMarcus Cousins will try to help the Warriors win their fourth title in five years. Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr).
  • NBA teams will be in the mood to boogie this summer as they pursue four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.
  • Will the Pelicans be able to keep Boogie and the Brow together?
  • Will the Lakers be able to pair Boogie with another marquee free agent like LeBron James or Paul George?

NBA free agency is still four months away, but teams around the league are already preparing their pitches for DeMarcus Cousins. The four-time All-Star promises to be one of the hottest commodities on the market despite the fact he’s likely to miss the beginning of the 2018-19 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

Sportsbooks have sized up Boogie’s options and believes the Pelicans are the prohibitive favorites to sign the big man, followed by the Lakers, and the Cavaliers. We’ve examined each team’s odds and have included our own insights into where Cousins will ply his trade next season.

Team Odds
New Orleans Pelicans -150
Los Angeles Lakers +400
Cleveland Cavaliers +750
Milwaukee Bucks +750
Washington Wizards +750
Portland Trail Blazers +1000
Toronto Raptors +1400
Orlando Magic +1600
Dallas Mavericks +2000

 

New Orleans Pelicans

Cousins has hinted that he would like to remain in New Orleans, and it’s easy understand why, as the past year has been the most productive and least drama-filled period of his tumultuous career. Boogie was averaging career-highs in rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point attempts at the time of his injury, and he finally had a teammate in Anthony Davis capable of sharing the load and preventing opponents from double-teaming him on every possession. NOLA’s Twin Towers approach may never result in a title, but it does give the team a distinct advantage on most nights.

There’s also the financial angle to consider. New Orleans can offer Cousins a five-year max contract extension worth $180 million. That may be too much money – and too much security – for him to walk away from, particularly considering the uncertain nature of his injury. Achilles tears are notoriously tough to bounce back from and robbed players like Elton Brand, Kobe Bryant, Brandon Jennings, and Wes Matthews of much of their mobility and explosiveness. Given those factors, it makes sense for Boogie to play it safe and re-up in New Orleans.

DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall
Cousins has been a revelation on defense during his brief time in New Orleans. Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr) [CC License]

Los Angeles Lakers

It’s no secret that the Lakers have their sights set on LeBron James and Paul George this summer, but if either player spurns their offers, L.A. is expected to enter the Boogie sweepstakes instead. The big man has long been on their wish list and came close to becoming a Laker at last year’s trade deadline before the Pelicans swooped in.

Boogie would pair perfectly with fellow Kentucky product Julius Randle in the frontcourt and has the motor and passing skills to flourish in Luke’s Walton’s up-tempo offense.

The Lakers would have to let Brook Lopez walk to free up room at the five, but the All-Star pivot was always viewed as a one-year rental, and the Lakers would be far better served with Cousins manning the middle. Boogie would pair perfectly with fellow Kentucky product Julius Randle in the frontcourt and has the motor and passing skills to flourish in Luke’s Walton’s up-tempo offense.

The only question that remains is whether Los Angeles is big enough for Boogie and LaVar Ball. The epic jawing matches between these two larger-than-life figures would be appointment viewing.

Cleveland Cavaliers

If LeBron bolts Cleveland as many expect, the Cavs will suddenly have a max contract and a need for some serious star power. Boogie could never truly replace King James, of course, but he could help hasten a rebuild along with Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood, should the Cavs choose to re-sign him. Cleveland also has Brooklyn’s first round pick in this year’s loaded NBA Draft and could nab a defense-oriented big man like DeAndre Ayton or Mo Bamba to help ease Boogie’s burden on the block.

Dallas Mavericks

Sportsbooks consider the Mavs a longshot to land Cousins, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see Boogie in Dallas at the beginning of the 2018-19 season. Mark Cuban has never been shy about shelling out big bucks for premiere players and he reportedly kicked the tires on several trade scenarios involving Cousins at last year’s deadline. Boogie and his camp were very much aware of the team’s interest, and he told reporters at the time that he was “flattered” by the attention and had a great deal of respect for the Mavericks organization.

The Mavs would likely have to find a taker for Wes Matthews to offer Cousins a max contract, but the big man would be an ideal fit alongside Dennis Smith Jr., Harrison Barnes, and whichever young stud they select in the lottery.

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