Sacramento Kings All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has been in the rumor mill for a long time now and the trade talks are expected to again intensify when February arrives. 

In that month, the trade deadline occurs and that is why Marc Stein of ESPN predicted that Cousins will again be involved in speculations. However, he also believes the big man is staying with the Kings, although the latter must make decisions regarding their franchise star. 

Stein said if the Kings are planning to keep Cousins, they should ensure that they have the ability to sign him to an extension deal. Following the 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, the 26-year-old will only have a year left in his current contract. 

What the Kings will likely do is grant Cousins a new pact for him to remain in Sacramento and continue leading the franchise.

If the Kings fail to accomplish this and instead decide to deal away Cousins, Stein opined that they may have a hard time. 

Cousins is a star and arguably the best center in the league today, but with only a year in his contract, teams might be disinterested. It is a gamble trading for a player who can walk away after just one season. 

This could prevent the Kings from getting the best for Cousins' value once they place him on the market. 

For now, the future is uncertain for Cousins. There is a great chance the Kings are keeping him for the long-term. But as always, the possibility of being dealt is present. 

As of the moment, perhaps Cousins and the Kings are focused on their campaign. 

The Kings are having a good start to the season with a 2-2 record. If they have consistency, they might be able to end a decade of missing the playoffs.