Knicks Eyeing Jason Kidd: Could NYC Be the Next Stop for the Coaching Sensation?

The New York Knicks are currently exploring their options for a new head coach, including engaging with Jason Kidd, the Dallas Mavericks’ current head coach, according to sources familiar with the situation.

As of now, the Knicks have not formally requested permission to engage Kidd, who is under contract for two more years after his extension during the Mavericks’ impressive 2024 NBA Finals run.

Discussions between Dallas general manager Nico Harrison and franchise governor Patrick Dumont regarding Kidd’s potential move to New York have yet to take place, sources indicate.

The two teams might consider a trade deal that could facilitate Kidd’s hiring, though the Knicks have recently sacrificed a significant portion of their future draft capital, having sent five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for forward Mikal Bridges last summer.

New York still possesses a heavily protected 2026 pick from the Washington Wizards along with eight second-round selections, which notably includes the 50th pick in this year’s draft. Additionally, they hold the potential for first-round swap rights in the years 2026, 2030, 2031, and 2032.

Kidd previously interviewed for the Knicks’ head coaching position in 2020, which ultimately went to Thibodeau.

The Knicks made the decision to part ways with Thibodeau, who ranks as the fourth-winningest coach in franchise history and their most successful one this century, after a playoff exit against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Under Thibodeau’s leadership, the Knicks achieved back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the mid-1990s and pulled off a shocking second-round victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics. However, he relied heavily on a starting lineup that showed diminishing results in the latter part of the season and struggled throughout the postseason. Notably, his .579 winning percentage in the regular season is the highest among coaches with over 300 games who have never made it to the NBA Finals.

Jason Kidd, who concluded his illustrious Hall of Fame playing career with the Knicks in 2013, has previously coached the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks prior to taking charge of the Mavericks. Over his four seasons at the helm, Dallas has achieved a win percentage of 54.6% (179-149).

Kidd led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals just last year, but the team has undergone significant changes since then, including the recent trade of superstar Luka Doncic—a decision Harrison admitted was made without Kidd’s input before the blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

Chris Herring of ESPN contributed to this report.