New Orleans' big man DeMarcus Cousins, supported the idea of bringing New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony to the Pelicans. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Cousins liked an Instagram post that was pushing for a reunion between the Pelicans big man and Anthony, who were teammates on the 2016 USA basketball team that won gold in Rio. He also commented with the eye emojis, meaning he’s monitoring the development. The Pelicans expressed interest in Anthony, who only prefers to be traded to the Houston Rockets. The Pelicans also have few assets that may interest the Knicks in exchange for the 33-year-old Anthony.
The Pelicans have their version of a Big 3 – Anthony Davis, Cousins and Jrue Holiday, whom they signed to a five-year deal that may reach up to $150 million due to incentives. The Pelicans also acquired point guard Rajon Rondo to provide the team with veteran experience. The Pelicans acquired Cousins from the Sacramento Kings before the trade deadline in the hope of boosting their playoff chances. However, the team missed the postseason after finishing with a 34-48 mark. The Pelicans are hoping that Davis, Cousins and Holiday could develop their chemistry in the offseason to boost their playoff chances next season.
Cousins tried to recruit free agents to Pelicans
According to NOLA.com, Cousins tried to recruit free agents to the Pelicans this summer.
While he did not mention names, Cousins said he talked to every big name on the block right now. The Pelicans big man said there is a need to beef up their squad to challenge the Golden State Warriors next season. “I’m just trying to better the situation,” he said.
Cousins is in the final year of a four-year, $65.6 million deal that he signed with the Sacramento Kings.
He may opt to sign a long-term deal with the Pelicans or move to another team. He was rumored to be interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers and form a super team with LeBron James and Paul George in 2018.
Cousins cut down weight for next season
Cousins looked slim when he saw action for Team World during the NBA Africa Game recently.
He scored 11 points and grabbed ten boards as Team World defeated Team Africa, 108-97. In June, Cousins said he already lost 20 pounds as he tried to keep himself in competitive shape for next season. "It feels good, probably the best I have felt my whole career,” Cousins told ESPN.In 55 games with the Kings, Cousins averaged 27.8 points and 10.6 boards while his production dropped to 24.4 points in 17 games with the Pelicans.
