The Golden State Warriors and their fanbase want DeMarcus Cousins to re-sign, but is bringing the superstar back a feasible option?
DeMarcus Cousins put the NBA world on edge when he signed with the Golden State Warriors this past offseason. It was the shock of the offseason and made the Warriors arguably the assembling of talent in NBA history.
Coach Steve Kerr and many analysts interpreted this signing as a one-year deal and that’s it. While that’s all Cousins’ contract is for, the big man has since said he’d consider re-signing with the Warriors.
The New York Times’ Marc Stein wrote that Cousins could consider re-signing in the Bay.
"“Look for several of next summer’s major free agents — Boston’s Kyrie Irving, Philadelphia’s Jimmy Butler and Golden State’s Klay Thompson — to stay put. Allow me to also pass on one of the wildest predictions I’ve heard lately, from one wise insider, who thinks even DeMarcus Cousins will consider re-upping with the Warriors for one more season despite the (comparatively) minuscule raise they can offer on Cousins’ current $5.3 million salary.”"
Far from what’s ideal for Cousins, returning the Bay would only allow him a slight increase in pay. Just like Stein details, the Dubs can’t propose much more than a few more million. They’ll have bigger fish to fry as both Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant will also be on the open market.
Assuming Boogie returns to the elite Cousins the NBA world was used to, he’d be taking another significant pay cut. Tens of millions would be on the line if Boogie decided to re-sign, and it’d be different for him to say no.
There are pros and cons to re-signing Boogie. The only thing that needs to be common knowledge is that he’d be sacrificing big money elsewhere. This past offseason, Cousins couldn’t get his eight-figure contract elsewhere so he turned to a place that could offer him many other perks.
It’s unlikely, but it is feasible. If Cousins is enjoying the success that Golden State brings, then he might find that the Bay is worth the pay cut. In the end, it’ll be up to how he wants to shape his career because he’ll clearly get fewer touches and less control in Golden State.
For a player that’s never experienced postseason success, that might something more desirable than money. Besides, I’m sure the seven-figure contract Cousins is currently on doesn’t leave him begging for money.
Cousins’ priorities will determine his 2019-2020 NBA home.