Vlade Divac Says He'll Step Down If DeMarcus Cousins Trade Isn't a Success

Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac made a bold move in trading DeMarcus Cousins, and he is ready to put his career on the line to defend it.

"I totally understand why some fans would be upset," Divac said in an interview with Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee. "They supported DeMarcus, and I like DeMarcus a lot. But I believe we are going to be in a better position in two years. I want to hear again from these same people in two years. If I'm right, great. If I'm wrong, I'll step down. But if I go down, I'm going down my way."

Cousins was traded alongside Omri Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and two draft picks.

Divac has received a lot of criticism for the trade and only partly due to the questionable return for a player who had just appeared in his fourth straight All-Star Game. Before being traded, Cousins was averaging 27.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

The general manager also explained after the transaction that he had a better offer two days prior, per Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports.

Per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Cousins noted Divac went to his house to tell him he wouldn't be dealt shortly before the trade.

Of course, all will be forgiven by the fans if the Kings turn into a contender. The franchise hasn't had a winning record since 2005-06 and although there have been improvements this season, the team is still just 25-34 on the year.

The countdown is now on for Divac to turn things around in the next two seasons.