NBA Trade news: Kings insist DeMarcus Cousins 'virtually untouchable' in trade deals

DeMarcus Cousins has been the topic of trade talks in recent months, but the Sacramento Kings do not seem to be dealing away with the enigmatic big man anytime soon.

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders revealed on Twitter that sources from Kings view Cousins as “virtually untouchable” and is the player the team plans to build around with.

Cousins have been linked to several teams around the league like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, but the team that has the true chance to lure the 6-foot-11 centre would be the Celtics, who have plenty of draft picks to offer, including the David Lee’s expiring contract.

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is in a great position to improve the team’s playoff run this year. The Celtics have a frontcourt logjam and could deal with one or two of their big men. Combine them with a plethora of future draft picks and it instantly creates an offer more than enough to swing a star player the franchise has been lacking in the past two seasons.

However, while the Celtics have the pieces to acquire the likes of Cousins, Ainge does not look to rush a deal even with the trade deadline nearing.

“I think everyone is feeling things out,” Ainge said. “There is some conversation going on out there and it’s hard to know what ultimately will happen.”

If the Kings would entertain such offers from Celtics, it would give them the chance to instantly rebuild using draft picks and expiring contracts. Moreover, Kings star point guard Rajon Rondo is set to test free agency this summer, giving Sacramento more reason to explore rebuilding their roster.

However, Tony Xypteras of Sactown Royalty believes trading Cousins now to acquire valuable asset is not the right time for the Kings. “I don’t think the Kings should trade DeMarcus Cousins and that isn’t because I think he’s untouchable, or untradeable, or any of that nonsense. It’s just not the right move at this time,” Xypteras wrote.

The Kings are just two games behind the eighth-place in the Western Conference with a 13-20 record which is probably the reason why Sacramento continues to hold onto Cousins. As Xypteras noted, if the Kings do not improve dramatically this season, head coach George Karl would probably get fired, giving Cousins another chance to gel with a potential new mentor.

The Kings are getting less opportunity to boost their rankings in a stacked Western Conference and if Sacramento’s front office does not think the team would get in the postseason, it would be wise for them to deal for pieces vital for their future.