After just 25 games with the Houston Rockets, veteran big man Demarcus Cousins is leaving the team in a seemingly mutual agreement to part ways.
The news, broke by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, went public just a short time ago.
The Houston Rockets and center DeMarcus Cousins are planning to part ways in coming days, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Houston wants to go smaller, younger in frontcourt when Christian Wood returns and this allows Cousins to find an opportunity elsewhere.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2021
Following the departure of James Harden, the Rockets have shifted gears to young center, Christian Wood, who is averaging 22 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 55% shooting this season.
With Wood leading the charge for Houston’s next era, the role and need for an older, injury-plagued DeMarcus dramatically shrank. No doubt, Cousins will be looking for a place where he can both compete and be a part of their long-term future.
While it remains to be seen which teams (if any) will be willing to give him what he wants, Cousins has shown is still capable of putting up solid numbers in the NBA. In 20.2 minutes for the Rockets this campaign, he’s putting up 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game on 33% shooting from downtown.
Wherever he goes next, you can be sure he’ll be doing his part to contribute.