Report: Kings' owner 'waffling' on Cousins' future, fueling trade talks
DeMarcus Cousins' future in Sacramento remains up in the air.
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is "waffling" on his long-term commitment to DeMarcus Cousins, opening the door to trade talks, league sources tell The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Mannix.
However, Cousins' agent Jarinn Akana told Wojnarowski that he's been assured by ownership that his client will not be traded.
Cousins' recent one-game suspension and expletive-laced statement about the Warriors has reportedly raised concerns about building around the big man, and diminished Ranadive's willingness to retain the 26-year-old long term.
The Kings have reportedly engaged in trade discussions with several teams regarding Cousins, including the New Orleans Pelicans, who have made "virtually everyone" available. While no trade is imminent, there is a 50/50 chance that a deal will materialize between the Kings and Pelicans, according to CSN's James Ham.
The three-time All-Star has said on multiple occasions that he'd prefer to stay in Sacramento despite the team's lack of recent success, and is intent on signing a $219-million extension with the Kings this summer. Cousins would be ineligible to sign the five-year extension if he were dealt.
The Kentucky product is averaging 27.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 45.1 percent shooting this season.