

Sacramento Kings general manager Geoff Petrie told NBA.com Monday that DeMarcus Cousins is not on the trade block, despite rumors that the team wants to move the volatile center.

"You can put that one to rest," Petrie said. "He's not going anywhere. You can lay that to rest. Some of that stuff lives in its own reality."

The Kings suspended Cousins for a game after a profanity-laced argument with coach Keith Smart during halftime of their Dec. 21 game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Cousins has had behavioral problems with the team during his three-year career.

Cousins reportedly has the backing of owners Joe and Gavin Maloof and he would likely not fetch equal value in a trade.

Contradicting Petrie, Fox Sports Ohio reported that the Kings have been shopping Cousins, but one opposing general manager said that the asking price "is way too high right now."

Cousins is averaging 16.3 points and 9.5 rebounds in 25 games this season.