Yes, the New Orleans Pelicans still need DeMarcus Cousins

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives around Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

So?

On his podcast, “Pull Up“, the Blazers’ own C.J. McCollum suggested recently that the decision to keep Cousins will come down to the face of the franchise:

"“If AD wants him back, it doesn’t matter if he’s better for the team or not. That’s what’s gonna happen, because he’s the franchise, and that team goes as he goes.”"

Anthony Davis has already made it clear that he wants DeMarcus Cousins to be a Pelican next year. Their personal relationship is endearing, and their professional chemistry speaks for itself. If C.J. is right, and DeMarcus can’t be wooed elsewhere, then there’s no question that Boogie and AD will get back to work and finish what they started, together.

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This isn’t about advanced metrics or contracts: this is about a team. Trading for Cousins was the Pelicans’ best shot at incentivizing Davis to commit to New Orleans. Letting go of Boogie could be the New Orleans Pelicans’ biggest mistake.