NBA Rumors: Kings Want To Keep DeMarcus Cousins; Not Interested In Trade

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Ever since the 2014-15 NBA season ended for the Sacramento Kings, the speculation has run rampant about the immediate future of All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. The veteran center came into his own this past season and is starting to get recognition as one of the league’s elite frontcourt players.

Although Cousins is quickly becoming a legitimate superstar in the NBA, the trade rumors have begun to circulate about the Kings potentially ready to trade the Kentucky product. Cousins may be among the most talented centers in the league, but he’s been difficult to deal with leading many to believe he simply won’t see eye-to-eye with new head coach George Karl.

Despite reports of the Boston Celtics being interested in a trade for Cousins, the Kings continue to stand pat and want to aim for a playoff run with the controversial center patrolling the paint in Sacramento, according to Bill Herenda of CSN Bay Area:

The Kings want to make a playoff run next season with DeMarcus Cousins as the centerpiece of the franchise, league sources told CSNCalifornia.com.

With Cousins still having a lot of room to grow and mature as the face of the Kings franchise, it isn’t all that surprising they’d want to hold onto him a little while longer. Along with Cousins potentially turning into one of the top five to 10 players in the league, the 24-year-old has a very favorable contract for the Kings.

Cousins is under contract for three more seasons at a very reasonable price considering his talent level. Cousins will make a $14.7 next season with an increase of $1 million for the next two seasons after that.

Even though Sacramento has gotten a steal with Cousins’ contract, the team has one of the most attractive tradable contracts in the league, especially with the salary cap drastically increasing next year. So despite talk of Cousins not being on the trading block, there’s still a chance a trade package comes along from Boston or another team that is too good to pass up on.