Jason Kidd in Advanced Talks With ESPN for Studio Role

Jason Kidd is in advanced talks with ESPN about joining its studio coverage, according to a report by NBA insider Marc Stein. A separate report says the former Dallas Mavericks coach is preparing to become an analyst on ESPN’s pregame and halftime programming, but the available accounts do not establish that an agreement has been finalized, and neither ESPN nor Kidd is quoted confirming a deal. The reports describe a potential move from the coaching sideline to television after Kidd and the Mavericks mutually parted ways in May, ending his five-season tenure as head coach. One account says Kidd would join ESPN’s studio team for the upcoming NBA season. The other characterizes negotiations as advanced and says the role would be within the network’s studio coverage. The precise programs and responsibilities remain unclear. If completed, Kidd would take the place of a former head coach role vacated by Michael Malone, who left ESPN after taking the University of North Carolina head-coaching job, according to reporting about the opening. The assignment would give ESPN an analyst with recent experience coaching in the league, as well as a long career as an NBA player.