Kings Owner On DeMarcus Cousins: "We're Not Trading Him"

Joe Maloof, one of the owners of the Sacramento Kings, says the team has no intentions of trading DeMarcus Cousins, according to the Sacramento Bee.

"We leave that stuff (the benching) to the basketball people," Maloof told the Sacramento Bee before tipoff, "but we're not trading him."

It was reported yesterday that Cousins was told to stay home by the Kings on their most recent road trip after the often troubled big man had demanded a trade. The Kings released this statement prior to Sacramento’s game on Sunday:

”DeMarcus Cousins has demanded to be traded. In the best interest of our team as we go forward, he has been directed by me, with the support of management, to stay home from the New Orleans game tonight.”

Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick, however, spoke to Cousins’ agent and reports that the second year star did not demand a trade.

“DeMarcus never demanded a trade,” Cousins’ agent, John Greig told SI.com. “I’m surprised the Kings, if they believe the player wanted a trade, wouldn’t have made a phone call to his representative. Maybe Westphal is just feeling the heat early this season.”