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The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans have managed to secure meetings with free agent center DeMarcus Cousins. However, it appears they are not the only ones looking to acquire the versatile big man.
While the Lakers and Pelicans have emerged as the favorites to sign Cousins, this has not topped the Washington Wizards from gauging interest. According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, they are considered a longshot to land him at this point:
Article Continues BelowOther than the Lakers, the Pelicans might not have much other competition for Cousins. The Mavericks were once interested, but already verbally agreed to sign center DeAndre Jordan. The Wizards are considered a sign-and-trade possibility, though sources have told me that’s a longshot, with Suns center Alex Len a more realistic target.
It certainly comes as no surprise to see Washington land on the short list. The two have been linked ever since Cousins was still being shopped by the Sacramento Kings. The Wizards recently made room in the frontcourt after parting ways with center Marcin Gortat. Furthermore, the familiarity between Cousins and point guard John Wall from their time as college teammates could pay huge dividends for this team. However, it is still difficult to imagine them being able to pry him away from the Lakers or Pelicans.
Los Angeles is still recovering after being snubbed by Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Paul George at the start of free agency. If they have any hope of signing small forward LeBron James, then they will likely need to bring in another superstar to pair him with. Meanwhile, New Orleans has shown that they are willing to make the heavy investment to keep Cousins around. It is safe to assume they will attempt to do the same in free agency. That said, it remains to be seen what the deciding factor for Cousins will be when it comes to making a decision.
