The 1998–99 NBA season was the Bucks' 31st season in the National Basketball Association. After a lockout cut the season to 50 games, the Bucks hired George Karl, who previously coached the Seattle SuperSonics as their new head coach. The team selected German basketball star Dirk Nowitzki with the ninth pick in the 1998 NBA draft, but soon traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for top draft pick Robert Traylor, and signed free agents Dell Curry and Vinny Del Negro. The Bucks transition continued at midseason trading Terrell Brandon to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and acquiring Sam Cassell and Chris Gatling from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Elliot Perry in a three-team trade. However, Cassell only played just four games with the team due to an ankle injury. In another trade, they dealt Tyrone Hill to the Philadelphia 76ers for second-year forward Tim Thomas and Scott Williams, while signing free agent Haywoode Workman.