In an NBA where it seemed impossible for the richest team of talent to get any richer, Golden State made a mockery of the entire free agency system and shattered the spirits of the entire league.
A day after LeBron James announced he was signing a four-year max contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors made a massive splash of their own by signing All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, one of the top free agents this summer, to a one-year mid-level exception deal for $5.3 million.
Unbelievable? That is a colossal understatement.
It’s been a journey for @boogiecousins. We’ve been with him every step of the way. @Warriors #0Doubt #TheResurgence #ItsShowtime pic.twitter.com/YF5qeHJQTi
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) July 3, 2018
Of all the teams Boogie, a 6-foot-11 matchup nightmare, was expected to sign, heading to Oakland to team up with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and the Warriors, who have won three championships in the last four seasons, was really not on anyone's mind.
General manager Bob Myers and head coach Steve Kerr deserve some credit here. It appears to have more reward than risk acquiring a free agent player returning from an Achilles injury this past season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
And if you thought the fact Golden State landed another All-NBA talent shook basketball fans this offseason, what do you think it did for the NBA players? The emotions were high.
The Happy
Bada Bing Bada Booom. Bada Bing Bada Boom!!!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 3, 2018
The 3rd splash Brother 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Let’s go @boogiecousins
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 3, 2018
The only people happy here are the Golden State Warriors; its organization, players, and fans. Of course players like Steph Curry were going to say something.
The Shocked
I ain’t even gonna lie to y’all the Boogie GSW thing was a surprise... Sheesh
— Spencer Dinwiddie (@SDinwiddie_25) July 3, 2018
Bro Wut
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) July 3, 2018
WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE GUYS.!?? 🤔🤔😂😂😂😂
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) July 3, 2018
Man cmon man!!!!
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 3, 2018
Wow👀
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) July 3, 2018
Once the news broke, players were quick to hit social media in a confused state like the rest of the world. Spencer Dinwiddie, Myles Turner, Jae Crowder, Patrick Beverley, and Nick Young were all among the players stunned by the decision.
The Snarky
But Chris Paul couldn’t come play w Kobe LOL man stop it 🤣😂🤦🏾♂️
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) July 3, 2018
After the confusion left and reality sank in, players such as Bobby Portis were quick to point out this deal (although very within the rules) was as ridiculous as the NBA vetoing a trade of Chris Paul to the Lakers in 2011.
The Comical
There’s still time to change your mind lol
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 3, 2018
Just turned my phone on .... @boogiecousins whats goin on bruh? .. hit my line ..we gotta talk about this
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) July 3, 2018
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is the king of NBA Twitter, so it's only right he chimed in. Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum joined the party, too.
The Fineable
Adam Silver has agreed to a Mid Level Extension with the Golden State, league sources tell ME. 💣😂 pic.twitter.com/G9uAcVcg6w
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) July 3, 2018
The reactions around the league were priceless. They hit every emotion possible. Then there was New York Knicks big man Enes Kanter. His response takes the cake and might end up with a fine after taking a little jab at NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
No matter if you feel good, bad, or indifferent about this, just know the Warriors will be a heavy favorite to win yet another NBA championship, with an All-Star starting five, and nobody in the league is really too happy about it at all.
READ MORE: The 23 Best Twitter Reactions to LeBron James Joining the Lakers
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