KEY POINTS

  • DeMarcus Cousins officially becomes a free agent once more after being cut by the Bucks
  • The Bucks are expected to consider other options before the NBA trade deadline
  • Cousins may still end up with other teams in need of a veteran big man

The Milwaukee Bucks have waived DeMarcus Cousins on Thursday, January 6 ending a short run.

The move came ahead of January 10, the day where the All-Star center’s contract would have become guaranteed for the rest of the season.

Cousins learned about his fate moments after dropping 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Bucks’ 117-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

The decision was announced by team manager Jon Horst when he spoke to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

"We wouldn't have been able to get through this difficult stretch of the season as successfully as we did without DeMarcus. At the end of the day, we made a strategic decision to have an open roster spot, but there's nothing that would prevent us from partnering with DeMarcus again down the road. He was so good for us, and hopefully, we helped him, too," Horst stated.

While most speculated that this would be made official on Friday, January 7, it came a day earlier.

Cousins averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes of action in 17 games for the Bucks.

Unfortunately, it appears those numbers were not enough to convince Milwaukee to keep him until the end of the season.

Hence, all the 31-year-old center can do now is hope another team takes interest in his services.

Things have just spiraled for the four-time All-Star since multiple injuries cropped up the past years.

The move clears an open roster spot for Milwaukee although a possible replacement for “Boogie” may already be on the roster.

Luke Kornet signed a 10-day deal on Monday, January 3 and could make the roster if he performs well.

The Bucks need a big man to fill the void left by an injured Brook Lopez.

For now, head coach Mike Budenholzer has relied on Bobby Portis to take up the slack, CBS Sports reported.

But if the past seasons are any indication, Milwaukee may make a move before the February trade deadline.

Last season, they took in P.J. Tucker and Jeff Teague who ended up being part of the 2020-21 NBA champion team.

DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks
DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks Getty Images | John Fisher
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