NBA Rumors: Kings Need to Listen to DeMarcus Cousins' Trade Demands

The Sacramento Kings are saying DeMarcus Cousins has requested a trade, and they should listen to his demands by shipping him out of town.

Cousins' agent, John Greig, is disputing the claims and even took a shot at Kings coach Paul Westphal, saying "maybe Westphal is just feeling the heat early this season."

Regardless of whether or not he actually demanded a trade, it's painfully obvious that the Kings and Cousins need to part ways.

Cousins is unbelievably talented, possessing all the tools a dominant big man needs: soft hands, excellent footwork, several go-to post moves, the ability to pass out of a double team and a bit of a nasty streak.

Unfortunately, that nasty streak also extends off the court, where he has been involved in numerous altercations with coaches and teammates. His perceived immaturity was his only blemish heading into the 2010 NBA Draft, and it has manifested itself several times in his young professional career.

Cousins' rookie numbers of 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game were great. His 14 technical fouls and three ejections? Not so much.

Cousins will be one of the NBA's two or three best power forwards, and probably sooner rather than later. But unfortunately for Sacramento, he won't be taking that next step while wearing a Kings uniform.

Last season, I preached that the Kings needed to have patience with Cousins. But now, their relationship clearly cannot be mended.

Sacramento will have a tough time getting equal value for the fifth pick in the 2010 draft, because this report crushes its leverage. Still, the Kings need to do whatever it takes to separate themselves from the enigmatic Cousins.