The media didn't take long to ask DeMarcus Cousins about his contract negotiations with New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps upon his introductory press conference. The big man was reportedly irate by the disrespectful offer from the front office, one that ultimately paved the way for his decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
“I'll put it like this: Only me and Dell Demps know what was said on the phone that night,” said Cousins, according to Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post. “We both know the truth. I'll leave it at that.”
Demps reportedly offered Cousins a two-year, $40 million deal to remain with the team shortly after he sustained a devastating Achilles injury, knowing the major risks that could come with a long-term deal.
Cousins declined the offer and it was soon taken off the table, with both parties failing to re-engage in contractual talks before the start of free agency.
Boogie told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that no team inquired about his services during the first day of free agency, forcing him to make a personal call to Warriors general manager Bob Myers and inquire about joining the team as a free agent.
Cousins could only be offered a $5.3 million mid-level exception, which he took as his “last resort,” as other teams had major questions about how he will recover from this major injury.
It's unclear if Demps and Cousins actually talked during free agency, but if they did, it was likely an unpleasant conversation between the two.
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