Report: Rockets more likely to release DeMarcus Cousins than trade
Whenever the Rockets inevitably part ways with veteran center DeMarcus Cousins, it does not appear that Houston will be compensated. Per Randy McIlvoy, sports director of local NBC affiliate KPRC, the 30-year-old big man is expected to be released later this week.
“So far, no trade is developing,” McIlvoy wrote on Twitter. Cousins is now expected to miss Monday’s home game against the Chicago Bulls, with the Rockets listing “right heel soreness” as the reason. As such, Cousins may have already played his last game with Houston.
The Rockets are in a weak bargaining position when it comes to any trade of Cousins, since they’ve already made it clear that he would be released, if a trade is not found. Moreover, since the Rockets are allowing the four-time All-Star to decide his next NBA team, it’s not as if GM Rafael Stone could realistically create a bidding war for his services.
According to various media reports, the Rockets are interested in more defensive mobility and an ability to play at a faster pace on offense than what Cousins can realistically provide at this stage of his career.
.#Rockets host Bulls tonight. Victor Oladipo still out and DeMarcus Cousins (heel issue) will also be out tonight.
NBA Sources telling me to expect a release of Cousins this week. So far no trade is developing. @KPRC2— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) February 22, 2021
The Rockets opted to fully guarantee Cousins’ contract for the 2020-21 season, largely based on his professionalism. As such, the same logic appears to be dictating their willingness to let him choose his next team.
“The Rockets guaranteed his salary because management appreciates his professionalism, and how [Cousins] went about his business,” wrote Mark Berman, sports director at Fox 26 Houston. “The Rockets want to do right by free agents they sign.”
NBA sources confirm #Rockets parting ways w/ DeMarcus Cousins via trade or releasing him. Rockets guaranteed his salary b/c management appreciates his professionalism & how he went about his business. Rockets want to do right by free agents they sign. @ShamsCharania reported 1st
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 20, 2021
Cousins missed most of the last two seasons with a series of severe leg injuries, which is why he was forced to settle for a non-guaranteed contract in the 2020 offseason. But while his athleticism clearly isn’t what it was in his All-Star years, he has shown durability in 2020-21, playing in 25 of Houston’s 28 total games. Overall, Cousins is averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game. The 6-foot-10 big man has also become a valued leader in Houston’s locker room.
Per Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer and Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press, the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are among his suitors.
