Bucks waiving Cousins after 15-point double-double vs. Raptors

The Milwaukee Bucks will waive center DeMarcus Cousins, Bucks general manager Jon Horst told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Bucks are cutting the 11-year veteran in order to prioritize roster flexibility. Cousins' contract was set to be guaranteed Friday.

"We wouldn't have been able to get through this difficult stretch of the season as successfully as we did without DeMarcus," Horst said.

"At the end of the day, we made a strategic decision to have an open roster spot, but there's nothing that would prevent us from partnering with DeMarcus again down the road. He was so good for us, and hopefully we helped him, too."

The news comes after Cousins contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals in 20 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors. He's expected to receive interest as a free agent, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Cousins signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Bucks in late November and made 17 appearances for the club, including five starts. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while playing 16.9 minutes per game with Milwaukee.