Report: Nets deny Jason Kidd's demands for promotion, allow him to speak with Bucks
Perhaps Brooklyn Nets head coach Jason Kidd looked around the league, and figured, "why not me?"
Kidd recently approached Nets ownership with a list of demands, chief among them the role of overseeing the Nets' basketball operations, according to a report from the New York Post's Tim Bontempts.
His demands were rebuffed, perhaps because he only has one year of coaching experience (and no years of management experience) to his name. Kidd apparently wanted the additional powers on the basis that fellow inexperienced coaches like Derek Fisher and Steve Kerr penned richer deals than Kidd's this offseason. Jealousy, as it seems, got the better of him.
However, the Nets did permit him to speak with the Milwaukee Bucks, who, by the way, have a head coach in Larry Drew.
Kidd made a play to become the Nets' president and coach and lost, source says. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov, according to one account, said no.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 29, 2014
It's certainly a strong demand from Kidd, but it wouldn't be unheard of. Other coaches around the league, such as Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy hold the title of president of basketball operations in addition to their responsibilities on the sidelines.
For what it's worth, this story has been confirmed by many credible outlets (USA Today, NBA.com).
All in the family: 1 of Bucks new owners - Lasry - is friends with Jason Kidd and Kidd's agent. Stay tuned.
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) June 29, 2014
This could get ugly, according to Berger. His source said "I don't see it," when asked if they could imagine Kidd returning to Brooklyn.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck's sources are saying the same: "No shock here, but sense I get from plugged-in sources is that Kidd is probably finished with Nets whether he lands another job or not."
Very ugly:
Bucks coach Larry Drew & front office was unaware Jason Kidd was about to interview for their jobs, sources told ESPN
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 29, 2014
And what is Kidd looking for with the Bucks? Why, it's the elusive position of president of basketball operations. He won't be denied!
Source: Kidd isn't pursuing Bucks coaching job. He wants to be president of basketball ops.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) June 29, 2014
In pursuing exit to Milwaukee, source tells Yahoo of Jason Kidd's ambitions: "He wants the Doc and Pop role (there). Running everything."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 29, 2014
Bucks officials under this belief, sources tell Yahoo: Kidd wants Phil Jackson-like president's role with Bucks - perhaps without coaching.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 29, 2014
This way, Kidd could come into the franchise and make changes as he sees fit -- which may or may not include him on bench. What. A. League.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 29, 2014
And what's this? He actually won't be denied?
No one will confirm this but I was told Kidd has been offered job as Bucks president.
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) June 29, 2014
The right response to this rapid escalation of events? Take it away, Milwaukee Bucks forward Jeff Adrien:
Is this really happening now tho? #offseason #whenanythinggoes
— Jeff Adrien (@Adrien4) June 29, 2014
The NBA: Never a dull moment.