Boogie expresses his gratitude to Kings fans in an emotional Instagram post

Goodbyes are rarely easy. For DeMarcus Cousins, saying goodbye to the fan base he has spent the past seven years building has been difficult, to say the least.

As he made his way to his new home city of New Orleans on Tuesday, Cousins took a minute to reflect on what playing in Sacramento has meant to him.

Words can't even express how hard it is for me to have to leave the city of Sacramento and all of the amazing people that I have met while out here. I gave it my all for you and you gave it right back. The most amazing fans on the planet and I just want you to know that your support has meant everything to me. It's hard to believe that it was seven years ago that this young kid from Alabama showed up in Sacramento scared and not knowing a soul. As I look back upon my time here, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have met so many amazing people, many of whom went out of their way to make me feel right at home from day one. Each and every one of you have played such an important part in my life and helping me become the person I am today. I don't just consider you all as fans, you all are my family...and a couple thousand miles aren't going to change a thing. Thank you Sacramento. #LoyaltyisLove

A post shared by DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) on Feb 21, 2017 at 2:32pm PST

In a heartfelt Instagram message, Cousins expressed how thankful he is for his time in Sacramento. He thanked Kings fans for making him feel right at home when he was just a kid and his NBA career was just beginning, assuring fans that "each and every one of you have played such an important part in my life and helping me become the person I am today."

Cousins will officially begin his career as a Pelican on Thursday, when New Orleans takes on the Houston Rockets at home.

--Meaghan Latella