Report: Vivek Ranadivé not happy with George Karl

The relationship between Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé and head coach George Karl is not going great these days.  After reports came out this past week that Karl was seeking a trade for DeMarcus Cousins, the heat has been on both Vivek and Vlade to deny reports.  Karl's own public comments were not nearly as definitive.

From Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:

Relationship between Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and George Karl deeply strained right now, per sources. Some tense moments last few days.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) June 25, 2015

Ranadive's issue is that Karl offered no objection to a long term relationship with DMC when hired. Now, convinced Karl never wanted him.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) June 25, 2015

and Jason Jones of the Sac Bee:

Vivek is not happy with Karl at all right now, per sources.

— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) June 25, 2015

There's a reason Pete D'Alessandro did not want to hire Karl and we're apparently seeing why. Sources said for months Pete was against hire

— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) June 25, 2015

While Vivek was in awe of Karl many sources said it was apparent All-Star Weekend this was headed this direction and Karl wanted DMC gone

— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) June 25, 2015

The bigger question of course is what is Vivek going to do about it?  The Kings would look terrible if they fired the coach they hired just in February that they hailed as the team's savior to the public (not to mention Vivek would have to eat $9.5 million of Karl's future guaranteed contract). They'll look terrible if they trade DeMarcus Cousins (especially to the hated Lakers).  And they'll look terrible if they don't do anything and the Cousins and Karl situation continues to devolve.  This is not a good situation and not one with an easy solution.