Mavs believe they have chance to sign Cousins

The Dallas Mavericks believe they have a strong chance to sign DeMarcus Cousins this offseason, according to a report from Michael Scotto of The Athletic.

The Dallas Mavericks believe they have a strong chance to sign DeMarcus Cousins this offseason, according to a report from Michael Scotto of The Athletic.

Cousins will be an unrestricted free agent and told ESPN’s The Undefeated he’s open to re-signing with New Orleans, but admitted he hasn’t spoken to the Pelicans’ front office in a while and understands the team will do what’s best for its future.

The All-Star center tore his left Achilles’ tendon in January, an injury considered by many to be the most difficult from which to return. The Pelicans have internally discussed offering Cousins a shorter-team deal for less than the full max, according to a report from ESPN.

Before getting injured, Cousins was averaging 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds in 48 games while shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three.

Cousins says his goal is to be ready for the start of training camp in September.

“I’m looking forward to starting the season,” Cousins said. “That’s my own personal goal, so we’ll see what happens. That’s what I’m working on. The doctors haven’t really given me an answer because of the time I injured myself and the amount of time that I have. It’s basically open field because I have so much time. But for me, I’m shooting to be ready for training camp.”