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NBA Trade Deadline: Every Team’s Most Untouchable Asset

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins

If the Sacramento Kings were to trade DeMarcus Cousins, they’d likely improve the long-term future of the organization. That’s no slight on Cousins, but instead a comment on how much the terribly mismanaged Kings could get back in a trade including him.

Nevertheless, it’d be tough to justify trading Cousins if Sacramento were unable to receive a lion’s share of a return.

Cousins is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular players in the NBA, and it’s not hard to see why. From pure statistical and skill perspectives, Cousins is an elite player who rivals the very best of his generation.

Sacramento still hasn’t made the playoffs with Cousins leading the charge, but the Kings are currently just 4.5 games back of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Cousins is currently averaging 26.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 steals, and, most surprisingly, 1.2 3-point field goals made per game. He’s expanding his game with every passing season, and if it weren’t for Sacramento’s inability to construct a sensible roster, the Kings could have reached the playoffs already.

Cousins and Rajon Rondo have wonderful chemistry, and breaking that up with the postseason within reach would be an impractical decision.

Next: San Antonio Spurs