Sacramento Kings trade rumors 2016: DeMarcus Cousins no longer a trade subject as team thrives?

Demarcus Cousins Reuters

The fiasco with the Sacramento Kings and All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins might be over now, as the team continues to play good basketball and climb in the Western Conference standings. 

Before the season began and earlier in the 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season, Cousins was linked to trade rumors, with current head coach George Karl also being involved. 

There were reports before saying that Karl wants Cousins out of Sacramento since he took over the head coaching duties with the team. 

But now, it seems like Cousins is no longer a trade subject as the Kings are starting to make some noise in the West. 

The Kings are currently on a two-game losing slump, but before that were on a five-game winning streak which helped them reach the eighth spot in the Western Conference. 

Setting aside the recent losses, it is not all bad for the Kings since in their double overtime defeat to the Charlotte Hornets last Monday, Cousins recorded a career-high and a franchise record 56 points. 

In 37 games played this season, the 25-year-old is averaging 27.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 34 minutes played per outing. 

As Cousins continues to rise, he is bringing the team along with him as they aim to contend for a playoff spot. 

Because of the big man's continuous improvement, Baskteballinsiders.com suggested in its report that he is no longer a trade option for the franchise. The report also mentioned Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé making it clear that Cousins is "untouchable" when it comes to trading. 

Along with Ranadivé, Kings president Vlade Divac also is echoing the same sentiment regarding Cousins being traded. 

The Kings' recent defeats dropped them to the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings with a 20–25 record. Cousins and Sacramento have the chance to better that when they continue a three-game road trip this Thursday versus the New Orleans Pelicans. 

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