‘You couldn't pay us enough': Stephen A. Smith relays Rockets' response to Ime Udoka rumor
'You couldn't pay us enough': Stephen A. Smith relays Rockets' response to Ime Udoka rumor Stephen A. Smith on potential Rockets-Knicks talks: 'Ime Udoka ain't going anywhere, I got that text message. 'You don't have enough,' they said.'
The New York Knicks reportedly have interest in hiring Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, but Udoka remains under contract with Houston for multiple future seasons.
Coming off a season with the NBA's fourth-best record and a young and improving roster, the Rockets like the course they're on. Moreover, Udoka finished third in 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year voting. So, there's not much incentive for Houston — even if offered lucrative compensation — to consider letting Udoka out of his contract to speak with the Knicks.
Per ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who happens to be a longtime Knicks fan, that's the message he's seemingly heard from Houston.
On Tuesday's First Take, Smith said:
Ime Udoka is one of the best coaches in the NBA. This brother is something better.
When Jay Williams brought up about the New York Knicks reaching out to Houston, I got a text. 'You don't have enough,' they said. 'You couldn't pay us enough.'
Ime Udoka ain't going anywhere, I got that text message, he's not going anywhere. And damn right, they should hold onto him for dear life.
Smith's complete comments on Udoka and the Rockets can be viewed below.
In recent days, the Knicks have seemingly shifted their focus to Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who does appear to have some level of interest in the New York vacancy.
It is possible that New York's interest could be leveraged by Udoka and his representation in upcoming negotiations with the Rockets, who are likely planning to give him a contract extension by the 2026 offseason at the latest (his current deal will end after the 2026-27 season). Stay tuned!
More: Reports: With sudden coaching vacancy, Knicks intrigued by Houston's Ime Udoka
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