Los Angeles—DeMarcus Cousins, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the defending champion Golden State Warriors, US media reported on Monday.
Cousins is expected to sign a $5.3 million deal which will allow him to join a team that was already a heavy favorite to repeat as champions and now boasts a starting lineup that would rival many starting all-star game squads, American broadcaster ESPN reported.
When he is ready to return, Cousins will take the court with two-time reigning playoff MVP Kevin Durant, two-time regular season MVP Stephen Curry, three-time NBA champion Klay Thompson and three-time NBA all-star Draymond Green.
“The 3rd splash Brother …. Let’s go @boogiecousins,” Curry tweeted on Monday night.
Players cannot officially sign contracts with teams until Friday under NBA free agency rules.
In 48 games with the New Orleans Pelicans last season, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists. He suffered a severe left Achilles tendon injury on January 26 against the Houston Rockets.
Cousins, 27, is expected to be ready to play by December or January.
“This is my ace of spades. This is my chess move,” he told ESPN.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who agreed to a four-year, $154 million deal with free agent LeBron James on Sunday, were also trying to lure Cousins to southern California.
The Warriors did lose center JaVale McGee in free agency to the Lakers.