I don't think it was all about the clash' I think some of it might have been how he handled it (through the media).
Going to the media, saying the team has said they were going to trade Cousins, then having the team say 'no we are not', not great. Plus Tyreke Evans was also complaining about the offensive sets (that got lost in the aftermath of the Cousins 'trade request'. So he was always gone.
I think the only reason he lasted even this long is the Maloof's did not want to have to pay out his contract (even though he is/was the lowest paid coach in the NBA) and then have to pay someone else