Golden State Warriors: 5 takeaways from the 2018-19 NBA season

4. DeMarcus Cousins may be worth bringing back

DeMarcus Cousins’ play was an interesting storyline all season long. After all, his presence on the Warriors was born from unique circumstances, while the champs certainly weren’t in need of more firepower offensively.

Following the Game 6 elimination, Boogie was asked by a flock of reporters regarding his interest in returning to the Bay next season. He expressed an openness to return, but clearly seemed to understand all that was up in the air for both him and the Warriors, especially after the devastating injuries they’d both suffered.

After rehabbing a torn Achilles during the regular season, Cousins’ play was up and down all year long. He then tore his quad in the opening round of the playoffs and was clearly less than himself upon making a surprise return for the Finals.

The premise behind Cousins’ pairing with the Dubs was it gave him an opportunity to regain his form while competing at a high level. His play this year wasn’t all that convincing and there may not be another team willing to offer the type of deal he’s seeking, which could lead him back to a familiar setting on another one-year deal to prove his worth.

Whether one, none or both of Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant re-sign with Golden State, the former will likely be out until February and the latter is set to miss the entire year. At the right price, bringing back the hulking big man may be the best play for a Warriors squad that will be in desperate need of talent come opening night.