DeMarcus Cousins heads to Rockets, Lakers re-sign Markieff Morris

It was another day of shake-ups in the NBA free agency period on Monday, November 23.

Here’s another round-up of the major moves that are slated to impact the upcoming 2020-2021 season:

Riddled by injuries over the last 3 seasons, DeMarcus Cousins agrees to a one-year deal with Rockets

As reported by NBA insider Shams Charania, four-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Houston Rockets.

Cousins will sign a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, sources said. Houston expressed interest in signing the four-time All-Star before the NBA restart in July. Cousins serves as an upside signing, and has shown focus and drive in rehab through multiple long-term injuries. https://t.co/LUCaKrWwcj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 23, 2020

Cousins, 30, has career averages of 21.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists, but has dealt with major injuries such as a ruptured Achilles tendon and a torn ACL over the last 3 seasons. 

With Cousins bound for Houston, the Rockets have bolstered its thin frontcourt rotation after also acquiring former Detroit Pistons center Christian Wood in free agency.

The addition of Cousins could also play a key role in keeping James Harden and Russell Westbrook in Houston, as the two superstars reportedly requested to be traded.

Run it back: Lakers re-sign Markieff Morris

After acquiring Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol and Wesley Matthews, the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers continue to make a big splash in free agency as they have brought back forward Markieff Morris for a one year, veteran’s minimum-deal.

Run it back! #Lakeshow

— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) November 23, 2020

Morris played a significant role on the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, averaging 5.9 points and a shot a team-high 42.0% from three-point range in 21 playoff games. 

Saric stays with the Suns

The Phoenix Suns have been quietly improving its roster in the offseason as they add forward Dario Saric back to the mix.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Saric, who averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in his first season with the Suns, has agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal to stay in Phoenix.

Dario Saric has agreed to a three-year, $27M deal to stay with Phoenix, agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelsm_bball tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 23, 2020

Earlier this month, Phoenix pulled off a blockbuster trade that gave them ten-time All Star point guard Chris Paul. The Suns have also acquired Jae Crowder, E’Twuan Moore and Damian Jones in free agency.

Other notable league signings:

Solomon Hill: 1-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Formerly with the Miami Heat.

Damyean Dotson: 2-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Formerly with the New York Knicks.

Alex Len: 1-year deal with the Toronto Raptors.

Formerly with the Sacramento Kings.

Matthew Dellavedova: 1-year, minimum deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com