Clippers news: LA signs DeMarcus Cousins for remainder of season

The Los Angeles Clippers have decided to ink big man DeMarcus Cousins to a deal for the rest of the season after two 10-day deals initially.

The Los Angeles Clippers have seen enough from DeMarcus Cousins.

Los Angeles is signing Cousins–who first joined the team on a 10-day contract–through the remainder of the season, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

The Los Angeles Clippers will sign DeMarcus Cousins for the remainder of the season, league sources tell @YahooSports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 26, 2021

This is not the biggest of surprises. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue hinted Sunday the team was considering retaining Cousins through the remainder of the season.

Ty Lue says DeMarcus Cousins can help for rest of the season, especially once he learns playbook. Cousins is currently on second 10-day. Clippers like what they’ve seen and Cousins has best odds of remaining for season of roster options. They’re weighing best fits for postseason.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) April 25, 2021

Los Angeles had good reason to keep Cousins on the roster. He has been immensely productive in L.A.'s frontcourt despite averaging just over 11 minutes per game in eight appearances with the Clippers.

The former All-NBA big man is averaging 19.6 points, 14.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per 36 minutes, giving the Clippers some extra firepower inside while also making some plays for his teammates.

Cousins has seen steadier minutes in his last few appearances. He was +7 in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday, then scored 11 rebounds to go with eight rebounds and a pair of assists in Friday's win over the Houston Rockets. The 30-year-old should soak up valuable minutes for L.A. going forward.

This is a very welcome development for Cousins, who has had a hard time sticking with teams in recent seasons due to injuries and roster complications. But he now finds himself with the chance to be a contributor for a championship contender.