On February 20, 2017, the NBA witnessed a transformative event when DeMarcus Cousins was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the New Orleans Pelicans. This trade significantly influenced the league, pairing Cousins, a dominant four-time NBA All-Star, with rising superstar Anthony Davis. Their union generated strong anticipation about the potential impact on the court and the future of their franchises, marking a key moment in basketball history that affected many.
DeMarcus Cousins’ Adjustment to Life in New Orleans
In exchange for Cousins, the Kings acquired Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and two draft selections, signaling a major roster overhaul for both teams. Cousins joined the Pelicans aiming to be a game-changer alongside Davis, but initially, the partnership faced difficulties. Cousins and Davis shared the court in only 17 games that season, struggling to synchronize their playing styles. Nevertheless, with time, their collaboration developed into one of the league’s most formidable duos, combining scoring and rebounding strengths.
During his stint with the Pelicans, Cousins displayed remarkable performance, maintaining averages of 25 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Together, they posed serious challenges for opposing teams, yet their momentum was suddenly derailed when Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon. This injury abruptly ended their promising trajectory, leaving questions about what the pair could have accomplished if healthy.
Cousins Opens Up About His Emotional Response to the Trade
In a revealing conversation on the Run Your Race podcast with Theo Pinson, Cousins described his immediate reaction to the trade as one of anger and shock.
In the moment I was pissed, and I remember my agent calling me and he was like, ‘Man if you want me to veto this trade, you know, let me know,’
Cousins shared. Initially, the idea of sharing the Pelicans’ spotlight with Davis, who played the same position, gave Cousins pause. Despite this, he quickly embraced the situation with resolve, stating,
I don’t give a damn, we will figure that out later.
This candid insight highlights the complexity of emotions elite athletes face amid drastic career changes, revealing the mix of frustration and determination that fueled Cousins during this critical period.
Impact and Aftereffects of the Cousins-Davis Partnership
While the promising duo’s potential was curtailed by Cousins’ injury, their brief time together coincided with a strong 2017-2018 season for the Pelicans, who secured 48 wins. After recovering, Cousins continued his career with the Golden State Warriors, while Anthony Davis eventually joined the Los Angeles Lakers, guiding them to an NBA Championship in 2020. This sequence of events intensified speculation about what might have been achievable had Cousins and Davis remained a fully healthy tandem.
The narrative surrounding their partnership remains one of the NBA’s most compelling “what-if” stories, underscoring the fragility of athletic careers and the unpredictable nature of team success.
Reflections on a High-Stakes Journey in the NBA
The story of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis exemplifies the volatile dynamics within professional sports, where sudden trades and injuries can alter career paths dramatically. Their brief collaboration continues to resonate within the NBA community, symbolizing both the promise of elite talent and the impact of adversity. As fans and analysts look back, their partnership stands as a powerful reminder of perseverance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness despite obstacles.