You know -
I simply don't buy this "Vlade wanted Demarcus gone, and had to strike while Vivek was hot on Hield" angle.
First off, anything that is widely reported, is likely to be a plant story by the front office.
They have proven one thing since Vivek took over : everything they say is a lie, and covering up the truth of what's really going on in that ivory tower.
So if the repeated story is that Vivek had to be convinced by his calculating, conniving GM to pull the trigger on an unpopular move.... welll...... if that doesn't smack you of smelling like the cover story about the late-night trip by PDA and Mullin to convince amiable, good-hearted Vivek to fire his overachieving coach Mike Malone, then well I guess you aren't reading between the lines enough.
Secondly, I just don't buy that Vlade wanted Demarcus gone.
We know enough of Vlade and Demarcus base personalities and observed behavior to conclude that they got along well. They are both light-hearted, good-natured big guys off the court. I believe they both don;t suffer bullcrap well, and can smell it quickly.
I simply don't believe that Vlade remotely made this decision, especially after it completely contradicts (and indicts) his previous fire-sale of Stauskas/Landry/JT's contracts.
Not many people would be stupid enough to make a hasty, universally-panned trade that simultaneously makes your previous trade a tragic, utter ream-job.
Who's reputation is publicly shredded by Vlade stepping on the grenade and agreeing to this cover story?
Vlade's.
Who's feelings were hurt by Demarcus saying "F the Warriors?"
Vivek's.
Who already sabotaged the Kings the last time Demarcus looked to be going to the playoffs?
The only common denominator is Vivek.