BUCKS TRADE FOR COACH JASON KIDD

The Bucks traded the Brooklyn Nets a 2nd-round pick in 2015 and a 2nd-rounder in 2019 for Nets coach Jason Kidd who went 44-38 with the team last year, bringing them to the playoffs. “When you list the characteristics that make a successful head coach, you would include leadership, communication and a competitive drive,” general manager John Hammond said in a statement. “Jason used all of those traits to become a 10-time All-Star player in the NBA, and has now translated his on-court success to the bench. We welcome him to the Bucks organization and look forward to building a Championship-caliber team with him as our head coach.” The Bucks fired former coach Larry Drew who went 15-67 last year, making the Bucks the worst team in the league.  “Despite the challenging season, Larry always handled himself and represented the Bucks in a first-class manner,” GM John Hammond said in a statement on Drew’s firing Monday. “Larry did the best he could in a difficult situation, especially given all of our injuries. I want to thank Larry for all of his efforts, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.” Ettore Messina and Lionel Hollins are the most likely candidates to replace Kidd as the coach of the Nets sources tell me.”We met again today, and the meetings went well,” Nets GM Billy King said. “So now, after I finish [this interview], I’ll meet with the staff, talk to ownership and then look at our list and see if we have to go further because we’ve got a list that we’d like to go through if we need to.”