Report: Knicks rejected by three teams in search of Tom Thibodeau replacement after NBA playoff exit

The New York Knicks fell short of clinching the NBA Eastern Conference title against the Indiana Pacers. In response to this setback, the front office made the decisive move to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau. The organization is now actively seeking a high-profile replacement, multiple reports suggest.

Understanding the necessity of success in the upcoming season, especially after narrowly missing the conference crown due to various missteps, the Knicks are reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a top-tier head coach. However, the search has proven challenging for the iconic franchise.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks have encountered resistance in their pursuit of potential candidates. “The Knicks have been denied permission to interview Milwaukee’s Jason Kidd, Minnesota’s Chris Finch, and Houston’s Ime Udoka,” Charania reported on his X account.

Charania further disclosed that the most recent rejection came firmly from the Dallas Mavericks. “The New York Knicks requested permission on Wednesday morning to speak with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, but Dallas swiftly declined,” Charania noted.

Knicks reportedly decline interviews with Milwaukee Bucks candidates

The Knicks’ search for a new head coach hit a snag as reports indicate that two potential candidates from the Milwaukee Bucks have declined interview opportunities. While the Knicks are in pursuit of a seasoned coach, they had sought permission to interview both Doc Rivers and Darvin Ham, who are currently affiliated with the Bucks.

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However, despite being granted permission, the Knicks opted not to proceed with interviews for Rivers and Ham. The organization continues to explore other candidates, though no additional names have been disclosed beyond those mentioned by Charania.

Knicks aim high: Pursuit of NBA star Kevin Durant

With the current roster, the Knicks are eager to build a competitive team for the upcoming NBA season. Another report from Charania highlights that the Knicks are in contention to acquire superstar Kevin Durant. However, they are waiting on the Phoenix Suns’ front office for their stance on a potential trade.

Charania shared via his social media platform, X, “The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant’s business partner, Rich Kleiman, are sorting through trade options – with interested teams mainly featuring Houston, San Antonio, Minnesota, Miami, and New York.“