Pelicans have Davis for 2 more years. Davis will be still highly valuable and he has shown he can be patient, and loyal to a certain extent. If you don't make any dumb mistakes, I can see AD willing to wait it out for Cousins for one more year.
I also don't think Cousins will lose that much. I'm very convinced that he might be a step slower, but generally with his array of post moves, skills, and body he can manage to generate fouls or score with similar stats as this year. Drop in production? Maybe a little bit to be honest.
But what can the Pelicans do if they do sign DMC for the max, and he isn't the same, plus AD wants out? Worst scenario to be in.
Pilicans can choose to drag, but our young wing will grow and Davis will become cheaper, there is sling chance they will get even closer value for AD versus right now, like if we really contend this or next year then we won't want to trade, by then who is gonna trade value for him?
And torn Achilis is no joke, like barely NO ONE can come back to their old self bad, especially for a big man, who also depend on agility and likes to drive from the 3 line, are Pilicans really gonna bet against THIS odds? is AD?
AD is going to fetch a hefty sum... Ainge is a great trader, but AD is an superstar... Nothing short of Lakers pick, (if it conveys) and Brown will start the conversation. I think Tatum is off limits, but Brown certainly seems like a perfect fit for the Pelicans. You guys have to be more realistic and stop thinking the Pelicans are in a position of no leverage... We are going to lose some prized assets... Just like we lost Crowder, (who at the time was the best bargain contract,) Thomas, (injured but well established Allstar,) and the Brooklyn Nets pick. And the Cavaliers were already far worse in leverage, because Kyrie wanted out.
Torn Achilles is definitely no joke, I certainly agree with that assessment.
Here is a list of previous injuries DMC has faced... With every lingering injury, which is relevant due to the 'injury prone,' flag or tag that people associate with DMC.
01/26/2018 Torn Achilles
04/06/2017 Sore Achilles
03/25/2017 Sprained Right Ankle
01/30/2016 Left Ankle Sprain
11/25/2015 Sore Back
11/01/2015 Strained Right Achilles
04/07/2015 Sore Right Foot
03/18/2015 Right Calf Strain
02/27/2015 Sprained Left Ankle
01/17/2015 Right Ankle Sprain
12/26/2014 Stomach Illness
11/30/2014 Viral Meningitis
02/18/2014 Strained Left Hip Flexor
01/22/2014 Ankle
12/03/2013 Ankle Injury
And yet... He still comes back every year dominating...
Boogie will come back maybe not exactly the same, but he'll still have the ability to score down low, shoot, and pass. We all know Boogie isn't the best defender, but with AD switching on everything, he doesn't have to focus as much.
What the Pels should try to do is convince Cousins to sign a 2-year deal. At the end of it he’ll be eligible for the 10 year max, so if he recovers he’ll be eligible for a top max deal with Bird rights. If he doesn’t, then they’re not on the hook for an extra 2-3 years, and two year from now will be a trade deadline for them to still move Davis if it’s clear Cousins isn’t ever going to recover enough.
That is true, but Cousins probably won't agree to that. Wouldn't it be better to get paid now, versus waiting 2 more years?