The New York Knicks are considering signing DeMarcus Cousins to a short term deal if they don’t land any superstars.
The New York Knicks have a few options when NBA Free Agency begins June 30.
Their first choice, obviously, would be to land a few superstars. They have $72 million in cap room, so they have the opportunity to give out multiple max contracts.
The only players they’re considering for max deals this summer are Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard.
However, the Brooklyn Nets have emerged as front-runners for Irving and Durant, and Leonard is considering re-signing with the Toronto Raptors.
Therefore, the Knicks aren’t getting any closer in those regards. Their second option though is to carry over a good amount of that cap space to 2020 and sign multiple veterans to short term deals this year.
One of those vets that they’re reportedly considering signing is DeMarcus Cousins.
The Knicks have long been planning to pursue the likes of Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard in free agency but are widely expected to turn to short-term offers if they miss out on their primary targets
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 27, 2019
Honestly, it wouldn’t be that bad of an idea. And every single day, it doesn’t seem like they’re getting any closer to landing either of their targeted superstars, so they may not have a choice in the end.
Cousins, if signed, would be able to team up and also act as a mentor for young guys such as Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett. The Barrett-Cousins connection on the floor could be effective for the time being. Through 30 games last season for the Golden State Warriors, Cousins averaged 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
As far as the future? Well, the money carried over to 2020 could be used to make a splash in next year’s free agency period. Superstar center Anthony Davis will be a free agent.
Davis claimed he would re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but we’re still a year away from him even getting the chance. He could still change his mind and consider coming to New York to team up with Barrett.
