If Anthony Davis had his way, DeMarcus Cousins would have re-signed with the New Orleans Pelicans to once again form the most imposing one-two punch in the Association after he recovered from his Achilles injury.
That won't be happening, though, as Cousins elected to go to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $5.3-million contract. Davis, who at one point was "pretty confident" Cousins would re-sign, is supportive of Boogie's move, but also a tad surprised he's heading to the reigning NBA champions.
"Of course I was a little shocked, but I know DeMarcus, and he made the best decision for him and his career at that time and for his family," Davis told CBS Sports' Bill Reiter.
"I understand it's a business. Of course, I definitely would've loved for that to keep going. But at that point, I wasn't sure what was going on with his situation or what was going through his head. It's a lot, coming from being traded and then feeling like you deserve a max contract, and then you tear your Achilles. It was a tough situation, it's tough on him."
New Orleans reportedly offered Cousins a two-year, $40-million extension after his injury, but before the regular season concluded. Cousins ultimately declined, and after having zero offers come his way at the start of free agency, the All-Star center shocked the world by reaching out to the Warriors and accepting their taxpayer mid-level exception.
Cousins made 48 appearances for the Pelicans last season, averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks, with New Orleans going 27-21 when he played.
