DeMarcus Cousins trade unlikely, Sacramento Kings to hold onto all-star

DeMarcus Cousins won't be traded before February's deadline, let alone anytime during the 2016-17 season, per several sources close to the Sacramento Kings.

For the past few years, Cousins has been a staple in the NBA rumour mill but the Sacramento Kings have refused to part with the all-star centre despite the team's inability to make the playoffs. Since drafting Cousins in 2010, the Kings have won over 30 games only once and are on pace to miss the postseason yet again.

According to ESPN, "the Kings believe it’s still on the early side to seriously entertain the idea of parting with Cousins" even as there is growing pressure on the Kings to deal Cousins before the centre's trade value diminishes. Since Cousins is a free agent in the summer of 2018, teams would hesitate to part with valuable assets if Sacramento were to wait too long.

DeMarcus Cousins doesn't expect to be traded

When Cousins' contract expires in 2018, he will perhaps be the most sought-after free agent since Kevin Durant this offseason. But Cousins realises that he's going to be in Sacramento for the foreseeable future. “I talk to management a lot. We’re on the same page. I’m not worried about it (getting traded)," he told Mark Stein in an interview.

Cousins has developed a notorious reputation in the league for his suspensions, fines and altercations with coaches and referees. And despite his rather unprofessional behaviour, several teams will be clamouring for his services in 2018 and possibly trying to acquire the big man ahead of February's deadline.

“To know that you’re wanted throughout the league ... I’d be worried if nobody wanted me. Then I’d have a situation on my hands. But I’m happy where I am. I’m happy with this team. I’m in a great place," Cousins said when asked about his value in the league.

As reported recently, DeMarcus Cousins spoke profoundly about wanting to join forces with former Kentucky teammates John Wall and Eric Bledsoe. With Wall and Bledsoe also reportedly unhappy with their teams, could we possibly see Cousins form his own Super Team in the summer of 2018?