Anthony Davis Confident DeMarcus Cousins Will Re-up With NOLA This Summer

While the free-agency period in the NBA is still four months away, it appears as though Anthony Davis has already started the process of recruiting. Though Davis’ front-court partner DeMarcus Cousins suffered a gruesome achilles tear in late January that has inevitably shelved him for the remainder of the season, he has made it apparent that he hopes the four-time All-Star will re-sign with New Orleans once July 1st comes about. And, by the looks of it, he seems pretty confident Cousins will.

As of late, the New Orleans Pelicans have been a team on fire. Riding on a ten-game winning streak, NOLA looks like a ball-club that can’t wait for the postseason to start, and for good reason. Currently speaking, the Pelicans are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 38-26.

The coach, owner and fanbase alike are all zeroing in on making the playoffs. And while Anthony Davis seems to be hungry for postseason basketball himself, it appears he is focused on another agenda as well; DeMarcus Cousins’ impending free-agency.

When the Pelicans acquired the services of DeMarcus Cousins last February, they knew what they were getting; a top-five player at the center position who can dominate down low just as easily as he can wreak havoc along the perimeter. The only uncertainty about the acquisition was if he and Anthony Davis could co-exist. In a league that’s trying to push the “small-ball” lineup, having two bigs, no matter how talented they are, seemed a bit “prehistoric.” Now, a year later, it turns out the pairing proved to be quite the success. Both players were named All-Star starters while also guiding the Pelicans to the, then, sixth seed out West.

The pair, prior to Cousins’ season ending injury, managed to put the “coexist” questions to bed. From what we saw, the dynamic duo proved to be awfully good when running alongside one another. Now, unfortunately, even after giving the world an answer to the big-man lineup debacle, another question has come into fruition; will Boogie stay?

At the end of the season, DeMarcus Counsins’ contract will be coming off the books. With this, the center is slated to hit the open market, at which point he can choose his future destination.

And while there are some who believe the Pelicans can’t, or should not, re-sign Cousins to a long term deal, the current face of the NOLA franchise has a different opinion on the matter. When asked if he thinks New Orleans can come to a contractual agreement with DeMarcus Cousins this summer, Davis replied:

"“I hope so. That’s a decision he has to make. I’m pretty confident that he’ll stay. From what I hear, he plans on it. But I’m going to keep selling the dream here. I’ll be very involved — I want him here”"

If you didn’t know already, Anthony Davis loves playing with Boogie. But honestly, the Pelicans main priority is not re-signing DeMarcus Cousins this off-season. It’s keeping Anthony Davis happy. If they wish to do this than, of course, their second priority should be bringing back DeMarcus Cousins.

Next: New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis and an unattainable MVP

Is Anthony Davis confident they can accomplish such a feat? You’re darn right he is!