New York Knicks are making backup plans if they strike out on superstar free agents this summer. According to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, Knicks are considering making a short-term deal offer to free agent center DeMarcus Cousins.
Stein reports that Knicks’ primary targets come July will be Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard. In case they don’t land any of them, the team will then turn to Cousins and make him a “considerable one-year offer” to get him in New York.
New York Knicks have space for two max contract free agents this summer, which they previously reserved for Durant and Irving. However, Durant’s injury and the fact that Irving is leaning towards Brooklyn Nets, is forcing Knicks to think about other options. Signing Cousins and some other quality role players on one-year deals would allow the team to be in playoff consideration next season while also being able to return to free agency in the summer of 2020.
After being out for almost a year with an ACL injury, DeMarcus Cousins returned to court in January with Golden State Warriors. He finished the season averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game. Considering the fact that he played on $5.3 million deal last season, Cousins is now expected to demand a much higher number. If Warriors are willing to offer him that, he might consider staying in Golden State.
“I’m open,” – said Cousins when asked about staying with the Warriors following the NBA Finals. “We’ll see what happens.”
