The Sacramento Kings plan on keeping center Willie Cauley-Stein, Kings insider James Ham reports, citing a source:
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.
Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Marc Stein published an article suggesting the Kings were open to dealing Cauley-Stein, their No. 6 pick in 2015. With conflicting reports now present, this is a situation certainly worth keeping tabs on as time moves forward.
Cauley-Stein, 23, has seen his minutes reduced during his first nine games this season. After playing an average of 21.4 minutes per game last year, he’s seen just 13.8 minutes per contest up until this point.
His athletic capabilities, defense mindset and gleaming potential would certainly pique the curiosity of several teams should the Kings make him available.
Cauley-Stein is one of many players from the Kings who have already seen their names in the rumor mill, joining a group consisting of Rudy Gay, DeMarcus Cousins, Ty Lawson and Omri Casspi.
