NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for DeMarcus Cousins

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors drives past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Los Angeles Clippers

If the Los Angeles Clippers successfully lure Kawhi Leonard in free agency, they’ll have a decision to make.

The Clippers could open up a second max slot for a co-star of Leonard’s choosing by salary-dumping Danilo Gallinari onto a team with cap room. But if they don’t appear likely to sign another superstar, they could instead keep Gallo on their books and go bargain-hunting.

That’s where Cousins comes in.

Despite starting Marcin Gortat’s withered husk at center for 43 games this past season, the Clippers managed to go 48-34 and take two games off the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. They stole Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline, but he’s heading into restricted free agency and might be best suited for a backup gig for now anyway.

The Clippers likely wouldn’t want to lock into Cousins on a three- or four-year contract, but a short-term deal could make sense for both sides. If Cousins stays healthy and resembles his previous All-Star form, he’d put himself in line for a megadeal in 2020 or 2021, while the Clippers could get a significant bang for their buck in the meantime.

Assuming Cousins’ free-agent market is as underwhelming this summer as it was last year, joining a playoff contender in L.A. should hold some appeal.

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