Defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors have acquired the services of four-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins on a one year deal worth $5.3 million dollars.

It means the Warriors, who have won titles in three of the past four years, will have All-Stars at each position, as Cousins will join a starting five that includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

That line-up won’t be seen for a while though, as Cousins is still rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon injury suffered in January.

The 27 year old is not expected to return to the court until December at the earliest, and possibly as late as next February.

Before his injury, Cousins averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds a game for the New Orleans Pelicans.

He has averaged 21.5 points and 11 rebounds a game over his eight-year career.

The signing immediately established the Warriors as the odds-on favourite to win another NBA title next season.