INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Indiana Pacers CEO and President Donnie Walsh said Monday the team will try to trade unhappy forward Ron Artest.
In an interview with an Indianapolis newspaper this past weekend, 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 getting hit with debris during a Nov. 19 game against Detroit.
Commissioner David Stern 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.
The 6-foot-7 Artest is averaging 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season.
