NBA trade rumors 2016: DeMarcus Cousins confident about Kings' stay despite persistent trade rumors

Talks about the possible trade involving Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins to other teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) had been going around for a while, but Cousins believed that his team is not planning to part with him anytime soon.

Speaking with ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Cousins brushed off the rumors that he will be sent to another team before the end of his contract extension with the Kings. "Unless you know something I don't," the 26-year-old Mobile, Alabama-native said in the interview.

Yet rumors still claim that Boston Celtics is currently in talks with the Kings to get Cousins in their lineup before the NBA trading season expires in February. The speculations began after CBS Sports Radio anchor Adam Kaufman tweeted the information to the public early this week, saying that he heard something about the Kings and Celtics negotiation.

Several reports claim that Cousins could be paired with Celtics' Al Horford, especially with the way he performs exceptionally well on the court this season. This could help the team move up the rankings.

However, the 6'11" center remains confident that his team will not give him up for a trade deal. Cousins claims that he regularly talks to the team's management. He also says that both he and the team are in the same boat, which makes him confident about his place on the Kings' roster.

Cousins also claims that he was flattered to know that there are other teams out there that want to have him. "To know that you're wanted throughout the league ... I'd be worried if nobody wanted me. Then I'd have a situation on my hands. But I'm happy where I am. I'm happy with this team. I'm in a great place," Cousins said.

The Kings and Celtics have yet to confirm or deny these trade rumors.