The Dallas Mavericks ended last season in strange fashion. After the chaos that followed the controversial Luka Doncic trade, Dallas surprisingly landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. All signs point to the Mavericks targeting highly touted prospect Cooper Flagg to provide crucial support alongside Kyrie Irving—who remains sidelined with a significant injury. But before any of that takes shape, the franchise could face another major shake-up: the possible departure of head coach Jason Kidd.
According to a report from Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are still actively considering Kidd as a candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed following the team’s NBA Eastern Conference Finals exit. Despite leading New York to their first conference finals appearance in over two decades, Thibodeau was let go as the organization seeks a new direction. The Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.
“The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd,” Begley reported, citing sources familiar with the situation in Dallas. “Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Monday.”
The Knicks’ coaching search has been wide-ranging and aggressive. Kidd’s name continues to surface in internal discussions, with reports suggesting he remains a serious contender for the job. New York’s interest stems from Kidd’s extensive experience both on the court and on the sidelines, especially in high-pressure markets. His prior stint with the Knicks as a player, combined with leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals, has only strengthened his candidacy.
Who else are the Knicks considering?
In addition to Kidd, the Knicks have reportedly reached out to several other prominent coaches. Candidates include Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets, Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks, and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls. This wide net underscores New York’s determination to find the right leader to carry the franchise forward. Still, Kidd’s familiarity with the New York media landscape and his previous ties to the organization make him a particularly intriguing option.
Why would the Knicks choose Kidd?
Kidd’s history with the Knicks—combined with his proven ability to handle big-market expectations—makes him uniquely equipped for the pressure-packed environment that comes with coaching in New York. His deep understanding of the fan base and media dynamics could prove invaluable as the Knicks aim to build a consistent contender. Interviews with other candidates, including Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, have reportedly been scheduled, but Kidd remains firmly in the conversation.
Should Kidd leave, the Mavericks may end up on the losing end of this developing story. Dallas is still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Kidd has played a central role in overseeing the team’s roster transformation. From helping manage the fallout of the Doncic trade to shaping the direction of the team’s future, his leadership has been pivotal.
With Cooper Flagg potentially on the way and Kyrie Irving’s availability in doubt due to an ACL injury, losing Kidd now would create even more uncertainty in Dallas. As the NBA offseason unfolds, the Mavericks could find themselves scrambling for answers just as they appear ready to turn the page.