DeMarcus Cousins to be released by Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets will reportedly be releasing DeMarcus Cousins, giving the veteran center the opportunity to join a team that that would allow him more playing time.

Rumors about Cousins and the Rockets parting ways have been circulating for the last week but sources told ESPN that the move will be made official on Tuesday. The team guaranteed the 30-year-old's entire $2.3 million veterans minimum salary as a gesture of goodwill. 

Cousins joined Houston in the offseason but struggled to establish himself as a relevant contributor on the team, being used as a clear backup behind Christian Wood. During his 25-game tenure, Cousins averaged just under 10 points and eight rebounds while shooting only 37.6% from the floor. 

Since leaving the New Orleans Pelicans, Cousins' career has been mostly injury-plagued, transforming the former All-Star into an unexpected journeyman. He has started only 41 games over the last two-and-a-half seasons and even when he's rarely been healthy, he's not looked like his old self. Now, Cousins will once again try to find a new team.

The most obvious spot for Cousins would be returning to the Lakers, as the team just waived Quinn Cook and are in need of some depth at center. Cousins' spent his entire previous stint in Los Angeles on the bench after tearing his ACL before the season began, so this could be a chance for him to join a title contender, assuming the Lakers are interested in adding him.