Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd indicated guard Brandon Knight is unlikely to be traded and suggested the team hopes to give Knight a contract extension before he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
Knight hasn't been the subject of trade rumors, and based on what Kidd told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, it's unlikely that changes.
"He's a piece we want here," Kidd said Wednesday. "You talk about his work ethic, the way he approaches the game, he's a professional, on and off the court. I'm not here to get in the way of anyone's success. I want everyone to have the ultimate goal of winning and being financially set. Our job as coaches is to help them achieve that goal."
Kidd also said he feels "very confident" with Knight as the starting point guard.
Milwaukee has until Oct. 31 to get a contract extension done with Knight. Bucks general manager John Hammond indicated the initial discussions with Knight's camp have begun, according to the Journal Sentinel. If the deadline passes, Knight would become a restricted free agent in July.
As for Knight, he expects to have an improved season in his second year with the Bucks and isn't focused on the extension talks.
"My job is to come out here and perform, come out here and play hard," he told the Journal Sentinel. "So honestly for me, all I'm thinking about is basketball. I've got so many things I want to do with this team and so many goals I have for myself and the team, it's something I barely think about."
