Report: Kings’ F DeMarcus Cousins demanded trade, told to stay home

Several media outlets are reporting that the Sacramento Kings have told forward DeMarcus Cousins to stay home for tonight’s game against the New Orleans Hornets after the second-year player demanded a trade.

The Kings and coach Paul Westphal released a statement earlier 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.”

There are conflicting reports on whether Cousins asked for a trade or not. SI.com’s Sam Amick tweeted that Cousins’ agent has said that the reports are erroneous.

Cousins' agent, John Greig, tells SI.com: "DeMarcus never demanded a trade. I'm surprised the Kings, if they believe the player wanted…"—
Sam Amick (@sam_amick) January 01, 2012

Greig: "…a trade, wouldn't have made a phone call to his representative. Maybe Westphal is just feeling the heat early this season."—
Sam Amick (@sam_amick) January 01, 2012

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