Report: Rockets, Cousins planning to part ways

The Houston Rockets and veteran center DeMarcus Cousins plan to part ways in the coming days, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The Rockets reportedly want to go smaller once injured starter Christian Wood returns from an ankle injury. The team will fully guarantee Cousins' $2.3-million salary before releasing him, according to Charania.

Cousins has averaged 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 25 games for Houston this season, playing mostly off the bench. He signed a non-guaranteed, one-year deal with the Rockets in November after missing the entire 2019-20 season due to an Achilles injury.

The 30-year-old will likely become an attractive free agent for teams loading up for the stretch run; Charania reports sources have expressed positive feedback regarding Cousins' professionalism and play during his time with the Rockets.