As the NBA trade deadline approached on February 23, speculation was running rampant, much like the pre-game tension before a Bangladesh Cricket Match. Yet despite the swirling rumors and wild trade scenarios involving big-name players, few deals materialized. And with one swift statement, the Sacramento Kings shut down perhaps the most sensational rumor of all: DeMarcus Cousins is not going anywhere.
Kings general manager Vlade Divac made it crystal clear in a recent interview that the team has no intention of moving their franchise center before the trade deadline. Despite reports linking Cousins to the Phoenix Suns—and growing interest from other teams—Divac insisted that all the chatter was just noise.
“We are not trading DeMarcus Cousins,” said Divac firmly. “We want him to be a long-term part of the Kings.” Sources confirmed that Divac had a face-to-face meeting with Cousins and his representatives, assuring them that trade talks were irrelevant because Cousins is simply not on the market. He also encouraged Cousins to tune out the media noise and focus solely on basketball.
But that’s not all. Back in January, the Kings began preparations to offer Cousins a massive contract extension. Thanks to the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, Cousins is eligible for the “Designated Player Extension”—a deal that could be worth up to $219 million over five years. The Kings have the advantage in both length and salary compared to what any other team could offer, pending the agreement’s official implementation in July.
Divac explained the organization’s commitment by stating, “We want DeMarcus to keep leading us forward.” It’s clear the Kings view him as a foundational piece, and so far, Cousins seems to be on board. He has publicly expressed a desire to remain in Sacramento for the long haul, repeatedly stating his loyalty to the franchise.
However, the on-court reality tells a more complicated story. Despite being in his sixth season with the Kings, Cousins has yet to lead the team to a single playoff appearance. This year, the Kings hold a 20-31 record, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. While a playoff berth is still within reach in a season marked by stark contrasts across the West, critics argue that Cousins’ leadership has shown little growth compared to previous seasons.
Recent reports from Phoenix indicated that the Suns were willing to offer an attractive trade package for Cousins. For a team considering a rebuild, such an offer would be difficult to ignore. But whether Divac’s public stance is a genuine long-term vision or a smokescreen remains to be seen. As with any high-stakes game—be it an NBA trade or a Bangladesh Cricket Match—judgment day comes swiftly. And with the trade deadline looming, we’ll soon know if the Kings truly meant what they said.
Until then, fans continue to hold their breath, as they often do before a crucial Bangladesh Cricket Match, waiting to see whether the Kings will double down on their commitment to Cousins or make a franchise-altering move.