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Jason Kidd briefly discussed trade rumors before the Bucks played the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

He said he didn't mind all the rumors swirling about, including the one that mentioned Dwight Howard in connection with the Bucks. The Houston Rockets aggressively shopped the big center - who will be a free agent this summer - but found no takers.

The Bucks did not make any moves at the deadline and Kidd said Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker were untouchable as far as the team was concerned.

"Those guys are vault guys," Kidd said. "They're in the vault. You don't start a conversation with Jabari or Giannis.

"There's no conversation to be had, right. So word gets around that those guys are untradeable."

Howard has an option worth $23 million next season but he and his agent have indicated they plan to file for free agency. So any team acquiring him would have been looking at a short-term rental while giving up huge assets. The Rockets reportedly wanted a front-line player and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Howard.

"I think all 29 teams would listen if a name like that came up," Kidd said.

The Hornets made some lineup changes, including putting 7-footer Frank Kaminsky in the starting five for the first time in his career. The former University of Wisconsin player was back in the state for only the second time since he was selected No. 9 overall by Charlotte in the June draft.

"We can't play small much against these guys," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said.

Kaminsky has made a nice transition from college center to NBA power forward and has been a key part of the Hornets rotation this season.

"He has an NBA game right now," Clifford said. "His biggest issue is just he's physically not strong enough to play every night against starters. He's worked hard in the weight room.

"I think in another year, you'll see him take off because of his work ethic. He's been much better defensively than I thought. I think that's a tough adjustment to go from a college center to an NBA 4 man; that's the toughest position to play.

"He's done a good job with that. His rebounding has gotten better. But he's a very, bright, competitive, confident guy and he's got a chance to be very good."