Pacers will try to trade Artest

In an interview with an Indianapolis newspaper this past weekend, 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 has missed the last two games because of a sore right wrist. The 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Artest made headlines last season when he charged into the crowd after fans following 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.

Walsh said Artest would remain on the inactive list for at least the remainder of this week. Artest has also been told not to practice with the team.

"I do think it is a time to kind of break apart and see if he can get a new start somewhere else," Walsh said. "I think that it is important for us to put our past behind us and stop these distractions so that what I think is a fine basketball team can go on. What kind of trade is this going to be if there is going to be a trade? All that has got to be answered and we’ll get about doing that as soon as possible."

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

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Artest said the "past haunts him here" and that "I think they will be a better team without me."

The Pacers have a 12-7 record this season, which is second-best in the Eastern Conference.

"It’s about the Pacers," said Indiana forward Jermaine O’Neal. "It’s about the players that suit up every single day. I’m tired of answering questions about Ron over and over and over again. At some point, you just get tired of all the extras and you move on. I wish the best to Ron in his career and hopefully he’s able to achieve whatever he’s looking for."