'Kawhi Leonard Did Justice For Us': DeMarcus Cousins On Raptors-Clippers Trade
Credits: Imagn Images (Kawhi Leonard), Getty Images (DeMarcus Cousins)
Now that Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Raptors has been formalized, several former NBA players and media members believe the former Finals MVP got away easy and is now leaving the franchise high and dry after a failed nine-year tenure.
Even the Clippers are reportedly resenting him for a lighter punishment in the salary cap circumvention scandal. Amid all that scrutiny, Kawhi Leonard’s former teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, said he is delighted to see Leonard leave the Clippers and that they deserved what they got.
“Man, they got everything they deserved. I love it. Kawhi [Leonard] did justice for us,” Cousins said on the Gil’s Arena show’s latest episode.
Cousins joined the Clippers for a short stint in April 2021 on a 10-day contract before eventually landing a rest-of-the-season deal. Something about the Clippers seems to be bothering Cousins.
Earlier last season, Cousins expressed frustration with the Clippers, saying they were being disrespectful and dishonest about how they treated Chris Paul (forcing him to retire midseason). There isn’t much public information about issues during his time with the Clippers, but Cousins seems to love this move.
When asked about whether Kawhi Leonard’s trade ‘moves the needle’ for the Raptors, DeMarcus Cousins seemed skeptical about their championship hopes.
“I think they get better. I wouldn’t necessarily call them a contending team right now. I think the East is a straight gauntlet now. Like, and it basically happened overnight.”
“So, you think about the Knicks, you think about a team like Philly, even Boston. I wouldn’t necessarily say them getting Kawhi at this point elevates them over those teams. I would even consider Cleveland a better team as of now.”
“But, I think anywhere Kawhi goes, he’s going to bring a positivity to the group. He’s definitely going to elevate the group. But championship, I can’t go out on a limb and say I’m confident about that,” Cousins added.
Even Kawhi Leonard claimed his decision to join the Raptors wasn’t about chasing a championship. But he feels confident that he can contribute in multiple ways that can help the team win.
DeMarcus Cousins isn’t sure that Leonard’s arrival instantly makes Toronto a championship contender, but it does give them another proven star.
The Raptors will have a lot to prove as the Eastern Conference gets more competitive. How far Toronto can advance this season may ultimately depend on Kawhi Leonard’s ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently.
It is unclear if Cousins has something against the Clippers to go out and say Kawhi did justice by leaving them. But it will certainly be fascinating to see if the Raptors can disrupt the flow as a dark horse among the giants in the East like the Knicks, the Sixers, and the Heat.