Vlade Divac: Kings aren’t trading DeMarcus Cousins

The Kings won’t trade DeMarcus Cousins.

There are numerous reasons to believe that, primarily that owner Vivek Ranadive refuses -- and he’s in charge. Cousins also reportedly plans to accept a five-year designated-player contract extension next offseason that only Sacramento can offer. Any team that trades for Cousins risks him walking in 2018 unrestricted free agency, which makes it nearly impossible to offer a trade package that both doesn’t send out too much and matches Cousins’ value to the Kings.

On the other hand...

Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee:

Within the past two weeks, three different team executives complained the Kings once again were sending mixed signals. Divac was receptive to moving Cousins, while Ranadive was still meddling and still leaning toward keeping Boogie.

So what’s actually happening in Sacramento?

Marc Stein of ESPN:

Story going online now: Kings GM Vlade Divac, weary of recent DeMarcus Cousins trade speculation, tells @espn: "We're not trading DeMarcus."

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 7, 2017

Sources say Divac recently met with Cousins and his reps to assure them the All-Star C is going nowhere as the Feb. 23 trade deadline nears.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 7, 2017

I don’t believe the Kings will trade Cousins this season, and if he signs a designated-player extension this summer, they won’t be allowed to trade him for another year.

What I can believe: Divac didn’t properly communicate Sacramento’s plans. Now, after a Suns-Cousins rumor emerged, Divac is trying to clear the air.