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Former Jalen Brunson Message to Jason Kidd Resurfaces During Knicks Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kade Kimble | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 2:21 PM ET

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson wasn't always a superstar at the NBA level. The No. 33 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft spent four years with the Dallas Mavericks, showing star potential.

It wasn't until Brunson left the Mavericks for the Knicks in free agency before the 2022-23 season that he made that star-level leap.

In his first season with the Knicks, Brunson averaged 24 points per game, a leap from 16.3 points per game in the 2021-22 season.

The Knicks paid Brunson, however, because of the potential he flashed with the Mavericks. Jason Kidd had just taken over the head coaching role in Dallas, too.

In the lone season Brunson and Kidd were together, the head coach and former NBA star left quite an impact on the Villanova product, helping him understand how much potential he held.

Two months ago, Brunson ranked Kidd his second-best coach in his NBA career, as he also played for Rick Carlisle when in Dallas.

“Imma say J Kidd two. J Kidd gave me the confidence to play better, perform better," Brunson said.

Jalen Brunson said Jason Kidd was his second favorite coach he’s played for in the NBA on @Roommates__Show back in March:

“Imma say J Kidd two. J Kidd gave me the confidence to play better, perform better.” pic.twitter.com/rFw47XmVdP
— Let’s Talk Knicks (LTK) (@LetsTalkKnicks_) June 7, 2025

With the Knicks having fired Tom Thibodeau this offseason, Kidd is someone New York will target to be their next head coach.

Brunson's comments about Kidd show his appreciation for Kidd, further adding to the rumors of a pairing between the Knicks and the head coach.

The Knicks superstar liked Thibodeau. Brunson's approval for whoever is coaching the team is important, as he's the franchise player.

If New York can land an interview with Kidd and bring the Mavericks' head coach to the franchise, there will be a level of connection between him and Brunson, which would help him take over a new team.

The idea of the Knicks landing Kidd also sparks further rumors of the team landing Giannis Antetokounmpo through a trade this offseason.

Regardless, there is a clear relationship -- to some extent -- between Brunson and Kidd, which could lead the organization to pursue the former NBA player as its next head coach a bit more aggressively.'

With the Mavericks having traded Luka Doncic, Kidd might feel more inclined to make a move to coach at another franchise, too.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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