DeMarcus Cousins is reportedly set to sign for Puerto Rican side Guaynabo Mets for the spring season, having failed to secure a new deal within the NBA.
For any basketball professional, the NBA is the dream location as it's the greatest league within the sport globally. The NBA is seen as the elite league worldwide and it's where all of the greatest names in history have performed, but that doesn't mean players don't seek moves elsewhere.
Cousins appears to be heading away from the United States to prove himself, with the hope that he will be given another chance back in the NBA next season. But even some of the biggest names in basketball have moved away from the NBA in the past, and here, Mirror Sport brings you five players that made bold moves to other countries.
Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson was the first overall pick back in 1996, and is still remembered as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. The 11-time All-Star remains one of the greatest players to never win an NBA Championship, but still starred during 14 seasons.
Iverson's best years came with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team he later returned to after stints with Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons. But in 2010 Iverson decided to leave the NBA after being offered a two-year contract in Turkey.
He signed for Besiktas, a Turkish Super League team who offered him a lucrative contract to see out the remainder of his basketball career. However, injuries meant that Iverson only made ten appearances for the side, and never played basketball again.
Magic Johnson
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson was selected first overall back in 1979, and remains one of the greatest NBA players of all-time. Johnson spent his entire NBA career with Los Angeles Lakers, scooping up five NBA titles before being forced into an early retirement in 1991.
Johnson tested positive for HIV and immediately retired, but made a stunning comeback years later as he returned to the Lakers as a player and coach. Johnson then called time again after a brief spell in 1996, but returned to basketball once more in 1999 as he went over to Scandinavia.
The six-foot-nine giant joined formerly-known Swedish side M7 Boras, and after going unbeaten he became a co-owner of the team. He then had one last ride with Danish side The Great Danes in 2000, before finally retiring for good.
Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan's former team-mate Scottie Pippen won six NBA Championships with Chicago Bulls, but even after retiring in 2004 he couldn't help himself after receiving an offer from Scandinavia. After redefining the NBA alongside Jordan at the Bulls, Pippen also had spells at Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.
Pippen retired from the NBA in 2004, but four years later made a comeback at the age of 42. Pippen agreed to play on a tour of Scandinavia, playing two games for top Finnish league team Torpan Pojat before suiting up for Swedish league team Sundsvall.
The then 42-year-old scored 42 points across three games, winning all three before entering retirement once more. His brief cameo proved that class is permanent, but he hasn't played professionally since.
Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins is forever known as one of the deadliest dunkers in NBA history, but the nine-time All-Star enjoyed two spells playing in Europe. Wilkins was drafted by Atlanta Hawks in 1982, and spent his best years there until opting for a series of moves between 1994 and 1999.
But unlike a lot of former NBA stars, Wilkins actually retired in the United States as his moves elsewhere came before the end of his career. Wilkins first joined Greek Super League side Panathinaikos in 1995 before later joining Italian side Fortitudo Bologna.
Wilkins averaged 21 points per game in Greece and 17.9 in Italy, but returned to the NBA to sign with Orlando Magic before eventually retiring. Wilkins also played for Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs during his career.
Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury only left the NBA in 2009 at the age of 32, and embarked on a eight-season career in China. After being picked fourth overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by Minnesota Timberwolves, Marbury moved around the league and played for New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and the Celtics.
Marbury joined Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons in 2010 before moving to Foshan Dralions in 2011, but it was in Beijing where he found his home. Marbury spent six seasons with Beijing Ducks before making one final move to Beijing Fly Dragons.
The two-time NBA All-Star retired in 2018, but didn't leave China for long as he returned to Beijing Royal Fighters as head coach. Marbury remains their head coach at present, helping to grow the game in China.
