NBA Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins Targeted By Miami Heat Last Summer, To Stay With Lakers After Getting Waived

DeMarcus Cousins was eyed by the Miami Heat during last summer’s free-agency according to a report that said the Florida-based franchise likes the 29-year-old big man.

Barry Jackson unveiled the rumor in his article on the Miami Herald on the heels of Cousins getting waived by the Los Angeles Lakers to give room for Markieff Morris who was just bought out by the Detroit Pistons. The four-time All-Star, however, is reportedly staying with the Lakers after he allegedly reached a mutual interest with the team’s front office to sign him in the upcoming offseason.

“Cousins and the Lakers are expected to negotiate a new contract this summer, with both sides reportedly interested in a reunion. So unless a team makes an offer Cousins can’t refuse, it’s safe to assume he’ll likely back in Los Angeles next season,” Christian Rivas of SB Nation’s Silver Screen and Roll wrote.

The report caused Jackson to tell Heat fans to temper their expectations of having Cousins land on South Beach. “For Heat fans wondering about DeMarcus Cousins, who was released by the Lakers this week to make room for Markieff Morris, keep in mind that even though the Heat likes Cousins and pursued him last summer, there’s no indication he’s looking to leave Southern California,” he wrote.

The Heat were active during the trade deadline earlier this month, acquiring solid pieces like Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder while reserving enough cap space to sign a high-caliber free agent this summer. But present indications tell Pat Riley that reconsidering Cousins for Miami might already be something that is not worth taking a glance at.

“He’s (Cousins) become part of our family, so he’s going to be around,” Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said after the team’s practice on Tuesday. “On the bench trash talker, yeah he’s been that for us. He’s got a good pulse on what our group is going through. There was a game where he challenged LeBron to be more aggressive. He’s contributed to our culture, and we’re excited that he’s still going to be around in a different capacity while he’s here rehabbing.”

Vogel, however, clarified that while Cousins basically stays with the team, the former Kentucky Wildcat won’t be seen on the sidelines during games nor will he fly with them on matches away from home.