The Houston Rockets and center DeMarcus Cousins are planning to part ways in coming days, sources tell The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Rockets will guarantee Cousins’ full $2.3 million salary for the season as a gesture to reward his professionalism and play during his time in Houston, according to sources.
Houston wants a smaller, younger frontcourt when Christian Wood returns and this allows Cousins to find an opportunity elsewhere, Charania reports.
Cousins, 30, joined the Rockets on a one-year contract in December. In 25 games, in which he’s started 11, the big man holds averages of 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
The four-time All-Star (2015-2018) has battled injury since the end of his tenure with the Pelicans where he suffered a torn Achilles in 2018. He joined the Warriors for the 2018-19 season and suffered a torn quadriceps in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs but later returned for a brief stint in the Finals.
Prior to joining Houston, Cousins tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while signed to the Lakers and did not play a game for the team.
