The Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Jason Kidd on Wednesday and surprisingly brought his three-and-a-half year stint to an end.Kidd compiled a 139-152 record during his time in Milwaukee, where he led the Bucks to two first-round playoff exits in 2015 and 2017.He left them with a 23-22 record in the Eastern Conference this season but they have been faltering recently having lost six of their last 10 games.In their first game without Kidd, just hours after his firing, they beat the Phoenix Suns 109-105 to move to 24-22 on Monday.The Bucks' decision to dismiss their head coach was met with some shock around the NBA and it has been reported that it didn't go down well with the team's star player, either.According to ESPN's Chris Haynes, Giannis Antetokounmpo was "devastated" to discover that Kidd had been relieved of his duties.

The duo shared a close relationship and it has been reported that the All-Star even made a last-ditch attempt to try and save his job.

Kidd confirmed to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that Antetokounmpo called him about 15 minutes before he was officially notified of his firing and offered to help to keep him at the helm.

"He called me and said, 'Coach, this isn't right what they're about to do, but [they] are gonna let you go,'" Kidd told ESPN.

Kidd said he replied, "I had a feeling that was gonna take place."

To which Giannis responded, "'What can I do? I'll call the owners, I'll call my agent."

Kidd said he told him, "There's nothing you can do. All you can do is tell the truth. That's it."

The 44-year-old former NBA star said he thanked Antetokounmpo for his loyalty and that he was "thankful to be able to coach him and help him become the player he is today. And I know when our paths cross again, he'll be much better."

The 2018 Hall of Fame nominee believes the firing was "handled wrong" but appreciated his time with the franchise.

"I enjoyed my time in Milwaukee. There's no regrets. We took an organisation that was in a bad place and shined a light on it. They're still young in running their race. Giannis is young in running his new race, as one of the best players in the world."

The former NBA champion leaves behind an exciting young team that is destined to challenge in the east for years to come.

As well as Antetokounmpo, they have an established point guard in Eric Bledsoe and the ever-improving Khris Middleton.

Jabari Parker is close to returning to full health and the reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is still performing well even though he's been moved to the bench.

It's a very attractive and desirable job and whoever takes over will have a very talented roster to work with.