You know who else had contentious relationships with the coaching staff? Cousins. At some point, you have to pick a side and maintain some stability. Catering to players who don't know how to win vs a coach who does is kind of why we've not seen the playoffs in 13 years. Just think what might have happened if this team kept Malone and dealt Cousins. Well, I can watch the Nuggets and find out.
Besides, Players. Players. You know, with an "s". Multiple players have a bad relationship with the guy; it's not Cousins and his cantankerous ways. Besides, it's not Malone and Cousins who had the issue. Karl is still the one retired with a black mark on his legacy.