DeMarcus Cousins

C, New Orleans Pelicans

Zach Lowe of ESPN is reporting that the Pelicans have broached internally the idea of offering Cousins a two- or three-year deal at less than the max.

The Pelicans have looked better, faster, stingier and more versatile with Davis at center, Jrue Holiday in an elevated role, and Nikola Mirotic spacing the floor and that could alter the team’s intention to resign Boogie. Only a half-dozen or so teams have max-level space this season, and most won't pursue Cousins at that level, as he doesn't make sense for rebuilding teams and no one can't be confident Cousins will be ready to produce at his usual All-Star level until 2019-20, anyway. The Mavs and the Lakers might be the only two realisitc suitors but a lot will depend on how much money they want to spend this summer.

Source: ESPN