DeMarcus Cousins may have an opportunity to play when the NBA season resumes in Orlando, but it sounds like the four-time All-Star would rather wait until next year.
Cousins has drawn interest from multiple teams but has informed them he will sit out the remainder of the 2019-20 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The 29-year-old wants to focus on rehabbing so he can return fully healthy next season.
Sources: Multiple teams have expressed interest in DeMarcus Cousins but have been told the four-time All-Star will sit out the resumed season and continue rehab for full return in 2020-21.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2020
Cousins has been a free agent since the Los Angeles Lakers waived him in February so they could make room to sign Markieff Morris. The big man is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last summer, and there have been reports that he could return to the Lakers next season.
While Cousins can undoubtedly be a difference-maker when healthy, the injuries have really piled up for him in recent years. In addition to the torn ACL before this season, Cousins also tore his left Achilles in 2018 and hurt his left quad last year in the playoffs with the Golden State Warriors.
Cousins is extremely close with some members of the Lakers, so it would not be a surprise if he is planning to rehab in hopes that they sign him again next year.
