Sports Illustrated
Before you call me a heartless person for even suggesting this, let me explain.
Demarcus Cousins could, if he wants to go to a better and more complete team this year's offseason. And even if Boogie does happen to stay with the Pelicans there is a substantial chance that he won't ever be back to 100%.
If the Pelicans supposedly trade Demarcus Cousins, they can get a decent return. But if Cousins leaves at the conclusion then the Pelicans will get nothing for a Superstar and All Star starter. The Pelicans can't afford to lose Cousins like the Thunder lost Durant. Sorry, Thunder fans.
The other question that needs to be answered for the Pelicans, is whether or not the Pelicans have a realistic chance to make the playoffs. The Pelicans were in a great spot prior to the injury, but now the path to the playoffs may not be as easy as how it was first thought.
Before Cousins got injured he was having a career season. He was averaging 25.2 points,12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The Pelicans are going to lose a lot of production.
But don't count them out just yet. They still have the 6 foot 10 inches, giraffe Anthony Davis. It won't be easy, but the Pelicans are currently 6th place in the West.
Even if the Pelicans make the playoffs they aren't about to upset anyone without Cousins. One All Star is not about to beat a team like the Rockets or Warriors.
Now it's time to go back to what the Pelicans should do about Cousins. The risk of Cousins leaving is just too much. And even if Cousins doesn't leave he still may never be the same again. Some examples of this injury changing careers are Kobe Bryant, Patrick Ewing, and Elgin Baylor. But then, there are a few players that suffered this injury, but it didn't really affect their careers. Some examples are Dominique Wilkins and Rudy Gay.
The truth is it won't be easy for Cousins, but if he does come back at the same level as he played prior to the injury, keeping Cousins could be one of the best moves the Pelicans can do.
It really comes down to whether the Pelicans are going to risk it or play it safe.