The Sacramento Kings are never boring. Earlier this week, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that second-year center Willie Cauley-Stein was on the trade block, given that they have a logjam in the frontcourt. Since then, two outlets have contradicted the report.

From CSN California's James Ham:

CSN California has learned that the Kings intend to hold onto the 23-year-old big. They regard him as one of their best defenders and they like his efficiency and energy off the bench.

And from the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones:

Willie Cauley-Stein at the Golden 1 Center
Willie Cauley-Stein still has great potential. USATSI

Two thoughts:

  • If the Kings indeed want to keep him, then I'm with them. Cauley-Stein is their most promising young prospect, and it would be silly to trade him, especially when his value is not at its highest. If they are serious about becoming an above-average defensive team, why would they let go of someone who has the potential to be one of the most versatile defenders in basketball? If it's taking a little longer than expected for him to fit into Dave Joerger's offensive system, that's OK -- just keep being patient.
  • Sacramento should consider doing something, though. In a league that is increasingly full of competent big men, the front office decided to keep DeMarcus Cousins, Kosta Koufos and Cauley-Stein in the offseason, even though they drafted centers Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere. The 4-7 Kings are trying to win with veterans and develop young talent at the same time, but it's unclear whether or not they are going to achieve either of these goals. Moving Koufos would at least help with the latter.