Mutual Interest Between Jason Kidd and Knicks Coaching Position
There seems to be a mutual interest between Jason Kidd and the New York Knicks regarding the head coaching position, as confirmed by sources. While Kidd has a contract with the Dallas Mavericks, he is open to discussions about the Knicks’ vacancy following Tom Thibodeau’s recent firing.
On Monday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst described the situation as a “mutual conspiracy” between Kidd and the Knicks.
Kidd, who played for the Knicks in the 2012-13 season, has been coaching the Mavericks for the last four years, including leading them to the NBA Finals last year. He maintains a good relationship with All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who spent his early professional years under Kidd’s coaching.
Veteran NBA writer Mark Stein reported that the Knicks might formally seek permission to speak with Kidd, although it’s unclear if that request has been officially made yet.
Interestingly, the Mavericks recently won the NBA Draft Lottery, allowing them the opportunity to draft the highly regarded Cooper Flag after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers earlier this year.
Kidd has previous coaching experience with the Nets and Bucks, where he had a successful tenure, especially with former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks are likely considering him after falling short against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Former Villanova coach Jay Wright expressed a lack of interest in the position, and there are also reports about Ime Udoka being pursued, but the Houston Rockets have not granted permission for the Knicks to interview him. Meanwhile, Mike Malone, the former Nuggets coach, doesn’t seem to be in the running.
Should Kidd transition to the Knicks, it might entail some form of compensation since he signed a two-year contract extension with the Mavericks last postseason.
For context, the Celtics received an unprotected first-round pick when the Clippers hired Doc Rivers back in 2013, and a similar situation occurred when the Bucks acquired the second pick as compensation for hiring Kidd the following year.
