The Miami Heat should take a flier on DeMarcus Cousins.
Despite their up-and-down start to the season, the Miami Heat are, somehow, only two games back of the fifth seed and two and a half games out of the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Miami could be a move or two (and the NBA Trade Deadline or in the buyout market) from making a real move up the standings.
One potential low-cost move that the team should absolutely be interested in is acquiring DeMarcus Cousins, whether that means trading for him (in a potentially bigger deal with the Houston Rockets) or signing him when/if he reaches the buyout market.
It was reported over the weekend that the Rockets and Cousins were planning to part ways. At this time, it’s unknown whether that means if a buyout will take place or if the team will work to find a trade to a team of his liking.
The Houston Rockets and center DeMarcus Cousins are planning to part ways in coming days, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Houston wants to go smaller, younger in frontcourt when Christian Wood returns and this allows Cousins to find an opportunity elsewhere.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2021
Even though Cousins won’t be the ultimate problem-solver for all that is wrong with the Heat, he’s certainly a center that could help on a few fronts. For one, he’d give them some much-needed depth after the injury to Meyers Leonard. He’d give the team a more seasoned backup than Precious Achiuwa and a big that could potentially play next to Bam Adebayo.
Cousins is a good enough offensive player where he could spread the floor next to Bam and could even have some offense run through him; which is arguably one of the Heat’s biggest issues at the moment.
At this point of the season, where Miami stands as a franchise, it would be surprising for them to make a big move at the NBA Trade Deadline. It wouldn’t be surprising, however, to see them make some low-risk, high-reward type moves.
Taking a flier on DeMarcus Cousins, via trade or in the buyout market, would qualify as one of those moves.