The Portland Trail Blazers are in the market for a coach, and Jason Kidd just so happens to be a fresh name linked to them in rumors. Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Kidd, who was recently fired by the Dallas Mavericks, has been "quietly connected" to Portland. Amid all of the Trail Blazers' new rumored interest in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, that checks out.
Antetokounmpo, Kidd go way back
Kidd was Antetokounmpo's coach early in his career and helped forge him into the player he is today. Per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the two have remained close since Kidd was fired by Milwaukee in 2018, and the Dallas Mavericks were always a team lurking in Giannis trade rumors because of this relationship—with Kidd fired, that won't be happening now.
Portland, on the other hand, has an opportunity to beef up its pitch to Giannis by hiring the coach he holds so much respect for. As ESPN's Ramona Shelburne previously reported, the Greek Freak made it clear that he missed Jrue Holiday—currently a Trail Blazer—so why not bring in Kidd to make them an even more desirable spot for the superstar forward? It would strengthen their case.
Of course, the Trail Blazers wouldn't hire Jason Kidd solely because of their rumored Antetokounmpo interest. He does have a track record of helping young pieces grow, such as Giannis, and Portland has a handful of players who fit the description. Yet, the thought of also getting Antetokounmpo on top of that is certainly on their mind.
Portland needs all the leverage they can get
As Stein reported in that same piece, Giannis appears to be "East-minded" as he weighs his future. That puts Portland, firmly in the Western Conference, in a difficult spot. If they want the Greek Freak to rethink his stance, they need to do whatever they can. Sign his brothers. Bring in his former coach. Get that waterboy he likes on the payroll. Whatever it takes.
Portland isn't rushing. They are still sorting through their options, but Kidd's sudden firing from the Mavericks certainly opened up a new world of possibilities. If they do bring him aboard as their new leading man, it does not guarantee Giannis flips his stance. In all likelihood, he will still prefer a trade to the Eastern Conference—or to stick in Milwaukee—but this could make him think twice about it.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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