NBA Rumors: All-Star Center Likely Headed Overseas With No Takers Next Season

NBA training camp is less than a month away, and some prominent names have yet to be signed.

One of them is All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, a player who endured a string of bad luck the past years in terms of health.

“Boogie” was one of the big stars from 2010 to 2017, an elite big man NBA teams could use.

Unfortunately, interest in him waded after the 31-year-old suffered one major injury after the other.

Regardless, HoopsHype (via NBA Central on Twitter) claimed that at least three Chinese league teams have expressed interest in the four-time All-Star.

If Cousins does not get a callup anytime soon, it may be an option for him if he wants to continue playing.

Even if an NBA team would give him a chance, his pay is likely to be at a league minimum.

Considering most teams, especially the contenders, have gone that route, it is a mystery why not a single one has done so.

A possible reason is his efficiency, which in turn is tied with his injuries from the past years.

While he was still with the Sacramento Kings, the same team that selected him at No. 5 in the 2010 NBA Draft, Cousins already suffered an Achilles injury.

This forced him out for four games during the 2015-16 NBA season, possibly a sign for him to take it easy.

Despite all that, Cousins established himself as a force–for as long as he was healthy.

Things took a different twist when he suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles with the New Orleans Pelicans.

He returned with the Golden State Warriors although his stint was also marred by injuries.

He had that golden chance with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, where he could have been part of the franchise’s title conquest. However, he failed to play a single game after tearing his left ACL.

Injuries deprived Cousins from his All-Star tag as well as getting big money offers from teams.

At this point of his career, he needs to make the necessary adjustments that include his style of play on the court.

A stint in China could be worth considering. If Cousins can recover his old form or show that he can still play at a high level, a call-up may be forthcoming.

As things stand now, it appears Cousins has no other choice unless he opts to retire abruptly.