DeMarcus Cousins Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Kings Star

While the Sacramento Kings have found a new head coach in former Memphis Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger, there are rumblings that the organization may be looking to move on from All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. 

Continue for updates.

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Divac Comments on Cousins Trade Rumors

Tuesday, May 10

"He's not going to be traded—this year for sure," Kings general manager Vlade Divac said, per Sean Cunningham of ABC10.

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Divac's Frustration Growing with Cousins

Friday, April 29

Divac wants to ensure the marriage between Cousins and Sacramento's new head coach works, but his frustration has reached a point where he may be willing to test the trade market for Cousins, according to Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee:

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The disconnect between [former Kings head coach George] Karl and Divac, and Karl and Cousins, is rivaled closely by the discord within the fragmented locker room. Apart from Rondo, Cousins has few friends among his teammates. Several players privately have complained to management about his mood swings and disrespect for those around him, including his coaches and in particular Karl.

A younger, healthier Karl – one who felt fully empowered by his organization – would have reacted to Cousins’ profane tirades by throwing punches or tossing him out of practice. But this is not the same feisty, in-your-face coach who transformed losing franchises into perennial playoff participants. He has a bad knee that will be surgically replaced next week. He has survived two bouts of cancer, and his vocal chords have been severely damaged by the treatment, reducing his voice to a whisper at times.

His refusal or inability to more forcefully confront Cousins disappointed several players, and his frequent cancellation of practices led some to question his energy level and ability to physically withstand the 82-game regular season.

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Cousins' Attitude Only Blemish on Superstar Resume

Sacramento won 33 games this season, the most the team has won since 2007-08 (38). Though the Kings missed out on the playoffs for the 10th year in a row, Cousins had the best season of his career, averaging 26.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game and making his second consecutive All-Star Game.

Since Cousins came into the league, however, talk of his poor attitude has been a constant. He's been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team and unprofessional behavior, and he reportedly cursed out former head coach George Karl after a game in November, according to Jason McIntyre of the Big Lead.

Karl reportedly wanted the Kings to trade Cousins before the 2015-16 season started, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Cousins has taken a step toward superstar status but has yet to reach the playoffs in his six-year career. If Divac feels Cousins won't be on board with Joerger, the team could consider dealing him for the right price.

The situation in Sacramento would have to hit rock-bottom before the Kings trade Cousins, though, since he's the just about the only good thing going for the team right now.

The Kings need to build a strong culture behind Joerger for multiple years and, in turn, improve their players' chemistry to end their long playoff drought.

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.

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