Dalembert Vents over diminsihed role

Samuel Dalembert's stay in Sacramento has been short and anything but sweet. The Kings center has been injured, frustrated about the style of play and, of late, more than mildly upset about his diminishing role.

If he isn't exactly demanding a trade, his agent, Marc Cornstein, is in town seeking clarification of his client's role – and is more than a little receptive to a relocation.

"They have to let me know which direction they want to go," Dalembert said. "They know what I do best. I block shots, rebound, get us in the fast break. Am I going to play the next five years in a place that is a contender, or am I going to be here, helping this team get better? It's up to them. But I am not going to lie. This is very frustrating."

Nine weeks into the regular season, both parties are disappointed, the Kings are committed to rookie DeMarcus Cousins and trade conversations regarding Dalembert and his expiring contract are ongoing. (Houston, Orlando and Oklahoma City are seeking frontcourt size.)

"It's been stops and starts for him," coach Paul Westphal said, "and right now his role is probably a little less than I thought it would be."

"I talked to Geoff (Petrie)," Cornstein said, "and we don't want to hit the panic button. All the reasons we were so excited for him to come here are still there. We're just trying to find a solution. It's really not his choice. That (a potential trade) is for the team to decide. We have to see how things progress and play out."