Report: Artest requests trade

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, the often-maligned Artest said he has issues with his role on the team and that the club would be better off without him.

Artest told the Star that the "past haunts him here" and that "I think they will be a better team without me."

Artest has missed the last two games because of a right wrist injury. The 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Artest made headlines last season when he charged into the crowd after fans after getting hit with debris during a November 19 game against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace. Commissioner David Stern showed no mercy as he suspended Artest for the final 73 games of the season.

The 6-foot-7 Artest is averaging 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest this season.