New Orleans Pelicans All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins is set to enter the final year of his deal of his four-year, $65.6 million contract.

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It will also mark his first full season with the Pelicans playing alongside fellow star big man Anthony Davis. According to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, potentially interested teams will have their eyes fixated on how this upcoming year unfolds in New Orleans as it could have a major impact on the type of offers Cousins will receive next summer in free agency.

“This season is huge,” said a Western Conference team executive. “He has to prove he can win. He has never played with anyone near the talent of Davis. He has to show he is willing to sacrifice for the team and do what is best for the team first. He really needs to turn a corner. If he acts up, he will cost himself a lot of money.”

Through his first seven years in the league, Cousins has yet to play on a single team with a winning record. This has built the stigma around him that despite being a highly talented player, he isn't a superstar that can lead a team to success.

That said, the 26-year-old is set to play for arguably the most talented team in his career alongside Davis and a pair of former All-Star point guards Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo. If the Pelicans fall short of at least competing for a playoff spot, there could foreseeably be some significant changes next summer in New Orleans.

Cousins has proven to be one of the best big men in the league over the last few seasons, but his inability to garner success at any point of his career could cost him millions next July.