Knicks Interview Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins; Cavs’ Johnnie Bryant Apparently Not In Running

The New Knicks have interviewed former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown as part of their ongoing search, while continuing to monitor the situation surrounding Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.

Kidd is under contract but has not yet secured an extension. Per Bondy, New York is keeping tabs in case tensions rise and a split becomes possible.

Meanwhile, early favorite Johnnie Bryant — a top assistant with the Cavaliers and once viewed as a frontrunner for the Knicks job — appears to have lost traction. A source tells Bondy the Knicks have not requested permission to speak with Bryant, signaling a shift in priorities as the search evolves.

For now, New York’s front office is exploring multiple options while leaving the door open for potential movement elsewhere.

NBA insider Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported earlier that the Knicks will pursue Kidd “until that door is firmly shut.”

The Knicks were denied permission to speak with Kidd, who has two years left on his contract. 

“If Kidd and the Mavericks make a final decision to continue their partnership, the Knicks will need to move on,” Pursianien wrote. “They won’t have to conduct much of a ‘pivot,’ though. They will need to break down and continue to supplement the information they’ve gathered on other top candidates.”

New York is seeking a head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau earlier this month. Thibodeau had been on the job for five years.