DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings have had a tumultuous relationship since the big man was drafted in 2010. It seems like the Kings could finally trade Cousins this season, according to reports.

For several years, the Kings have resisted trading Cousins, despite the fact that they haven't sniffed the postseason since the Kentucky standout burst into the scene six years back.

The Kings, under new coach Dave Joerger, have begun the 2016-17 campaign with a 4-7 record despite the offseason acquisitions of Arron Afflalo, Ty Lawson and Matt Barnes. They haven't made the playoffs since the 2005-06 season.

Many analysts feel that the time is right for the Kings to trade Cousins and hit the reset button.

According to Sporting News, which quoted an anonymous general manager, the Kings could be on the brink of trading Cousins, especially if the team doesn't return to winning ways in the near future.

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The report cited a general manager from the Western Conference who opined that Cousins' trade value would significantly diminish if the Kings waited until February.

“I’d say they (Kings) have three months, tops (to trade Cousins).

“Probably more like a month, or month-and-a-half, because the closer they get to the (February) deadline, the less they’re going to get back (for Cousins). If you’re trying to trade him the week of the deadline, it’s going to be tougher," the GM, on the condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying.

Last week, hall-of-famer Shaquille O'Neal, a minority owner with the Sacramento Kings, addressed the Cousins situation during a broadcast of TNT's Inside The NBA.

O'Neal made it abundantly clear that the team won't hesitate to trade Cousins this season. "In the previous years, he's (Cousins) been hot-headed, he hasn't shown great leadership qualities.

"I'm hearing talk that if things don't start to become correct, then they may be looking in another direction," the former four-time NBA champion was quoted as saying by CBS Sports.

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When Cousins returned from the Rio Olympics, there were several reports that the All-Star big man was looking to start anew with the Kings. However, it seems like the long overdue breakup is imminent.

Earlier this month, Amico Hoops cited quotes from various general managers in the league who feel that the Kings front office have an unrealistic asking price for a Cousins trade.

Since Cousins' career has been marred by disciplinary issues, fines and suspensions, the Kings front office have very little leverage -- regardless of the centre's superstar-like production.

“They’ll (Kings front office) never get what they want in return. They think Cousins is worth more than he actually is.

“He (Cousins) hurts you every bit as much as he helps you. He’s like a cheeseburger, or booze. Too much and you’ll pay a price,” the anonymous general manager said.

It seems like a Cousins trade is inevitable. The only question is: What would the Kings be looking for in return? Would they prefer an established All-Star or a chest of draft picks? Or would they prefer a few up-and-coming stars who would help their team build a new culture?

DeMarcus Cousins is averaging 26.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season.

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