The latest news from the ridiculous free agency arms race in the NBA Western Conference is stunning -- superstar center DeMarcus Cousins will suit-up for NBA champions Golden State Warriors in the 2018-2019 season after agreeing to a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the Dubs yesterday.
The mercurial and moody Boogie, one of the best two-way, big men on the market, will be the fifth All-Star in an already formidable Warriors' line-up. He joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green in a team that's now a -150 (from -110) favorite to defend its title.
The news Boogie Fever's coming to Oakland came barely 24 hours after the Los Angeles Lakers acquired superstar LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers front office followed-up that bombshell by acquiring center JaVale McGee from the Warriors; shooting guard Lance Stephenson from the Indiana Pacers, and point guard Rajon Rondo from the New Orleans Pelicans (which was also Cousins' former team).
Cousins entered free agency in January after incurring a season-ending torn Achilles tendon injury. His less than one-year stint with the Pels was remarkable. In 48 games, the four-time All-Star averaged 25.2 points; 12.9 rebounds; 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks. The Pelicans replaced him with free-agent center Julius Randle, formerly of the LA Lakers.
"This is my ace of spades," said Cousins of his move to the Warriors. "This is my chess move."
Cousins is no stranger to three of his Warriors teammates (Thompson, Durant, and Green) who joined him on the Team USA roster that won the Basketball Gold Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. His presence will remedy the Warriors biggest weakness, which is the lack of a powerful big-man that can clog the lane and score from three-point range.
Cousins admitted it was his "great" phone calls with Curry, Durant, and Green that convinced him to come to Oakland. He thanked New Orleans and its fans for the great year he had with them.
