New York Knicks reportedly interested in Jason Kidd as next head coach
The New York Knicks are evaluating Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as a potential replacement for Tom Thibodeau, according to sources. Kidd, under contract with the Mavericks through 2026, has not yet been formally approached. The Knicks are exploring options after parting ways with Thibodeau following an Eastern Conference Finals loss
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The New York Knicks are conducting internal evaluations of Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as a potential candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau , according to sources familiar with the team's plans. Kidd, who is currently under contract through the 2025–26 season, has not yet received a formal interview request from the Knicks.Sources indicate that Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont have not made a decision on whether to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd. While Kidd's contract poses a logistical hurdle, NBA precedent allows for trades of coaching rights , which could be an option if both teams agree.Also read: How to watch NBA Finals 2025: Thunder vs. Pacers Game 1 TV channel, live stream, odds, and prediction New York's draft capital, however, is limited. The franchise traded five first-round picks to acquire forward Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in 2024. Currently, the Knicks hold a top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick from the Washington Wizards and eight second-round selections, including the No. 50 pick in the upcoming draft. The team also retains swap rights in 2026, 2030, 2031, and 2032.Kidd previously interviewed with the Knicks in 2020 before Thibodeau was ultimately hired. The Hall of Fame point guard, who ended his playing career with the Knicks in 2013, has led the Mavericks to a 54.6 per cent win percentage (179-149) during his four seasons as head coach.The Knicks dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau after their elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Thibodeau, who became the fourth-winningest coach in franchise history, led New York to consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s and orchestrated a major second-round playoff upset over the Boston Celtics.Despite his success, Thibodeau faced criticism for heavily relying on his starting lineup, which showed signs of fatigue and underperformance during the latter part of the regular season and into the postseason. Thibodeau's .579 regular season winning percentage is the highest among NBA coaches with at least 300 games who have never reached the Finals, according to ESPN Research.Also read: Orlando Magic reveal new logo and uniforms for 2025–26 NBA season Jason Kidd guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, but the team has undergone significant changes since. Notably, the franchise traded star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, a deal reportedly made without Kidd's prior input.The Knicks' consideration of Kidd reflects their interest in an experienced coach with postseason credentials, though his current contract and the team's limited assets may complicate discussions.
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