Jason Kidd's reported demand that the New Jersey Nets fire coach Byron Scott as a means of preventing his free-agent defection to the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs has taken Scott by surprise.

"I have no reaction," Scott said when reached by the New York Post, which reported the story in Thursday's editions. "It surprises me."

According to the tabloid, several league sources said Kidd delivered his request during a Tuesday night meeting with his agent, team owners and Nets president Rod Thorn. The Post also reported that Kidd has demanded the team upgrade its talent, so the Nets are seeking to lock up his friend -- free-agent center Alonzo Mourning.

Kidd and Thorn could not be reached for comment by the Post.

Agent Brian McInerney, who has represented Scott since his playing days as a Laker, told the Post that he spoke with Kidd's agent, Jeff Schwartz, after learning of the player's demands.

"I [talk] to Jeff Schwartz frequently and we both believe that whatever is decided should be decided in a professional manner and not in a public debate," McInerney said Wednesday night. "I doubt the validity of this meeting without an official comment from Rod Thorn.

"These releases harm the franchise, harm the players, harm players' families. Everything should only be released through Rod Thorn."

According to one of the tabloid's sources, Kidd told ownership that his complaint stems from Scott's in-game coaching. After the Nets lost the NBA Finals in six games -- Scott was criticized for his fourth-quarter adjustments -- sources told the Post that Kidd told New Jersey's brass his son "T.J. could have coached a better quarter."

Scott wasn't buying it. Asked by the Post if he sensed any ill feelings or animosity from Kidd in their two seasons together, Scott quickly said, "No, not at all."

The two have appeared to be able to work together in the past and, according to the Post's account, have had an amicable relationship away from the court. But during the season there were rumblings of a rift, that Kidd disapproved of Scott's coaching decisions.