2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

5. DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans (Unrestricted)

Where he will sign: New Orleans Pelicans

You know what’s funny? Since DeMarcus Cousins got hurt, the New Orleans Pelicans have almost been a better team. Now that’s not to say that Cousins doesn’t bring a unique skill-set to the floor, but Anthony Davis stepped up and has the Pelicans looking like a team worth taking seriously.

While that may be the case, Cousins won’t have as many options as you’d expect this offseason. He’s coming off an injury that isn’t easy to bounce back from, especially for men of his size and stature. Chances are he won’t even be ready for the start of the 2018-19 season.

So here’s the Pelicans’ plan: they re-sign Cousins to a one-year deal. It essentially serves as a redshirt year, allowing him to heal up with the hopes he can return in the second half of the season. If not, they didn’t put themselves in a bind with a long-term deal, and can let him walk during the 2019 offseason.

In the end, it’ll come down to keeping Davis happy. He wants Cousins to stay, and is willing to get involved to make it happen (via New York Times‘ Marc Stein). In hopes of indulging the Brow, the Pelicans front office brings the other Twin Towers back for at least one more go-around.