Knicks Plan To Pursue Jason Kidd For Head Coach Job

[RealGM Wiretap]

The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission from the Dallas Mavericks to speak with Jason Kidd about their head coaching vacancy. The Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau shortly after the end of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Some league sources have described the New York's interest as "serious" and some believe Kidd is atop the team's wish list. Kidd interviewed for the Knicks' job with Leon Rose in 2020 when the job eventually went to Thibodeau. Kidd was head coach of the Mavericks in 2021-22 when Jalen Brunson had a breakout season before signing with the Knicks in free agency that offseason.

"I think the relationship that me and J-Kidd have is very unique," Brunson said after becoming a Knick.

It is not yet known how the Mavericks will respond to the Knicks requesting permission to speak with Kidd. The Mavericks and Kidd signed a two-year extension in May 2024 during their run to the Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers were believed to have interest in hiring Kidd to replace Darvin Ham.

Kidd has been believed to be happy with the Mavericks despite their trade of Luka Doncic. Kidd was a key reason why the Mavericks felt comfortable trading for Kyrie Irving and the head coach also has a strong relationship with Anthony Davis. 

The Knicks want an experienced head coach to replace Thibodeau, which could rule out a candidate such as Johnnie Bryant. Michael Malone, Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer are amongst the more experienced free agent coaches. 

Via Marc Stein/The Stein Line

[Barcs]

So replace a guy that relies on heavy iso and playing heavy minutes, with another guy that plays heavy iso and plays heavy minutes to starters?

[pushfloater]

Idk if this is an upgrade.. better throw the bag at Udoka!

[Wingy]

[MaxZaslofskyJr]

They can have him...

[BigTex]

He knows that 1) the Mavs are going to be bad next year, even if AD is moderately healthy; 2) that Kyrie may well not be back; and 3) because of these two issues, and the Luka trade, Nico is a dead man walking. He’ll be fired mid-season or no later than the end of the season. New GM will tear it all down and want his own coach. Why stick around. Beat the rush to the exits.

[LakersLegacy]

He’s under contract with another team not just next season, but also the season after that

With Anthony Davis, the #1 overall pick, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson

[Not2BeBothered]

When Doc rivers was under contract to be HC for Boston he was traded for a future FRP to the Clippers. Do the Knix have a FRP to make this happen?

[Luv those Knicks]

When Doc rivers was under contract to be HC for Boston he was traded for a future FRP to the Clippers. Do the Knix have a FRP to make this happen?

Only the protected wizard pick, and I expect the wizards will be bad enough that it won't transfer next year and may become a 2nd rounder.

[Zeno]

If they want a former player with head coaching experienc(though not nba) they should really consider Jerry Stackhouse. He was really good in the Raps organization both as an assistant and head coach of the g league team. He was the head coach for Vanderbilt and now is back as an assistant under Kerr. I would at least interview him

[TheCage4]

Unfortunately for Knicks fans, this is not good news. Kidd will play hero ball with Brunson just like Thibs, and the supporting cast, which lacks serious depth, will continue to struggle when they need to step up.

[3ptLion]

I don't get it. Has Kidd shown himself to be innovative on offense or in any other way? I rather have Terry Stotts and Stotts would be ,...like....tenth on my list of people I would want.