NBA free agency rumors: DeMarcus Cousins spoke with Wizards exec

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DeMarcus Cousins the Washington Wizard?

Candace Buckner of the Washington Post reported Thursday that the free-agent big man had a conversation in Las Vegas with the Wizards' interim president of basketball operations.

Cousins thus far has not been linked to the Wizards, but a move to the nation’s capital could make sense for Boogie. While Washington is not expected to contend in the improved Eastern Conference, the former Warrior could have a chance to put up big stats on a lottery team while hoping his big payday will come in the summer of 2020.

There are minutes to be had in Washington as well. The Wizards reportedly traded center Dwight Howard to Memphis Friday, which could open up more playing time for someone like Cousins. 

However, don’t expect a decision from Cousins until Kawhi Leonard makes up his mind. The 2019 NBA Finals MVP holds the rest of NBA free agency in his (giant) hands, and Cousins reportedly will wait until Leonard chooses between the Raptors, Lakers and Clippers before agreeing to a deal with his next team.

Cousins’ free-agent market has been very thin, and the big man reportedly has changed agencies as he hopes for a new deal. It doesn’t appear likely that he would return to Golden State, as the Warriors can only offer the minimum salary and recently agreed to a deal with Willie Cauley-Stein, who will man the paint. 

[RELATED: NBA scouts break down Warriors' playoff hopes next season]

If Cousins wants to rebuild his value on a playoff team, a move to the lottery-bound Wizards might not make much sense. But if he puts off his ring chase for a year and wants to up his value on the stat sheet, don’t rule out a partnership with Bradley Beal and the Wiz.

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