After firing Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks coaching search immediately focused on some of the top NBA coaches right now with track records of success in the playoffs. After being rebuffed by every team they reached out to about trading for a head coach, the door reportedly might not be closed on one of them.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported over the weekend that the Dallas Mavericks delivered a flat “No” when the Knicks inquired about negotiating with Jason Kidd, setting the door on any future talks. However, SNY‘s Ian Begley is now reporting the pursuit of Kidd might not be over.
“The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd, per people familiar with the dynamic in Dallas. Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Mondayy.”
SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley on Jason Kidd and the New York Knicks coaching search
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In the early stages of the Knicks coaching search, they inquired with the Mavericks (Kidd), Houston Rockets (Ime Udoka), Chicago Bulls (Billy Donovan) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (Chris Finch). Every interview request was adamantly rejected, with said head coaches expected to receive contract extensions.
Donovan just landed an extension from Chicago and Finch had already received a four-year extension last year that extends through the 2027-’28 season. However, Kidd hasn’t received the new contract he’s reportedly looking for, with James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reporting late last week that some around the league believe Kidd will have interest in New York if Dallas doesn’t give him a raise.
“The Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd and the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan are two the New York might circle back to in the coming weeks, according to league sources. The belief around the league is that Kidd and Donovan are looking for contract extensions from their current franchises, and if those don’t materialize, they might be open to joining the Knicks.”
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic on Jason Kidd’s contract situation with the Mavericks, interest in Knicks
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For now, per Begley, former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins will be the first interviewed by Knicks’ brass this week. He’ll then be followed by former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, who emerged as a candidate after New York’s interview requests with the aforementioned coaches were rejected.
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