The Nuggets have expressed interest in signing DeMarcus Cousins for the rest of the season, but for now the veteran center is officially back on the free agent market.
The 10-day contract that Cousins signed on February 10 expired Saturday night. It’s his third 10-day deal with Denver and the second non-hardship one, which means he’s not eligible for another 10-day contract with the team unless someone goes into health and safety protocols. For now, the only way the Nuggets can keep Cousins is to sign him to a standard deal.
Denver does not play again until Thursday, so there may not be a rush to finalize an agreement.
Cousins has appeared in eight games since first joining the team on January 21. He’s averaging 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per night, although he’s shooting just 29.4 percent from the field. Even with the low shooting percentage, he provides a veteran backup for Nikola Jokic, which could valuable in the playoffs.
Cousins, 31, was out of the league when the season began, but he signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Bucks at the end of November. He appeared in 17 games for Milwaukee, making five starts, before being released January 6, two days prior to all contracts across the league becoming fully guaranteed for the rest of the season.
A six-time All-Star earlier in his career, Cousins has become a journeyman player following three serious injuries to his left leg. He also played for two teams last year, earning a roster spot with the Rockets in training camp and signing with the Clippers late in the season.
More must-reads: