How the DeMarcus Cousins Trade Could Impact the Toronto Raptors
Impact on the Raptors’ Long-Term Plans
With Boogie being traded, he is now unable to sign the $200 million Designated Player Extension and — thanks to the CBA — will likely lose around $30-40 million on his next deal. With the $200M max-deal out the window, does that mean the Pelicans are a pit stop for Cousins instead of a long-term home?
Since money is no longer a major factor, would it not make sense for him to test free agency in two years? I get that Cousins grew up in Mobile, AL and has enjoyed his time in New Orleans since he was a kid, but is New Orleans really where Boogie wants to be? I don’t know the answer to that, but I’m sure teams will be watching him very closely in the Big Easy to see if his behavior is a real issue, or just something that was a bi-product of the toxic atmosphere in Sacramento, which was something he was blamed for as well.
For arguments sake, though, let’s say Boogie hits free agency in 2018-19. From the Raptors’ perspective, if they wanted to pursue Cousins, it would likely have a direct impact on their negotiations with Lowry, Patrick Patterson and Serge Ibaka this summer. Again, this is a colossal “what if” scenario, but it’s something the Raptors would have to consider.
Something else to keep in mind with Cousins is the list of teams that were reportedly offering for him. None of them are exactly “loaded” with talent, or even stable.
Look at the teams reported to be involved by the end. Lakers. Suns. Pelicans.
— Mike Prada. (PRAY-duh) (@MikePradaNBA) February 20, 2017
Now think of the teams not involved. Says a lot to me.
Teams like the Raptors were said to be wary on Cousins, so it’s debatable whether the Toronto would even consider him. Again, I’d imagine teams are going to carefully watch Boogie in New Orleans and see if he can change his behaviour, but the perception around the league seems to be that teams aren’t interested in taking a gamble on him.