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NBA insider explains why it’s hard for the Knicks to ‘trade for‘ Jason Kidd from the Mavericks, with one exception

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 3:58 PM ET

After the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau from the head coach position, the New York Knicks are still trying to find the right replacement.

One name that has become a favorite is Jason Kidd. Not only because he has history as a Knicks player, but also because Kidd showed he has the capabilities of bringing his team to prestigious stages like the NBA Finals.

Kidd is seen as a coach who could cure some problems the Knicks had under Thibodeau, such as defensive issues and personnel overuse. However, it would not be easy for the Knicks to hire Kidd.

Howard Beck believes Jalen Brunson tampering saga creates tension between franchises

Besides the fact that he still has a contract with the Dallas Mavericks, NBA Insider Howard Beck gives another reason.

The main issue is that the Knicks and Mavericks don’t have a good relationship, especially after the Jalen Brunson free agency saga that brought him to New York.

“If you’re negotiating for the release of Jason Kidd, the Knicks got rung up for tampering and the Mavericks were none too happy about the whole Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson, Leon Rose, and World Wide Wes sitting at their playoff games in the second round with Julius Randle,” Beck said on the podcast with Zach Lowe.

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The Knicks lack draft capital for potential coaching compensation makes it hard to land Kidd

Another reason Beck thinks could make it harder for the Knicks to land Kidd is that they don’t have assets to give to the Mavericks in a ‘trade’ situation.

Coach trades happened in 2013 when the Los Angeles Clippers sent a 2025 first-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Doc Rivers.

“It wasn’t long ago that there was some tension between these franchises. The Knicks have traded most of their tradable first-round picks to the Nets and the last time we saw a coach ‘traded’ for, it’s technically not a trade,” he added.

Nico Harrison’s bold moves could open door for Kidd departure

Beck also thinks there’s one scenario where the Mavericks could let Kidd go to New York easily: when General Manager Nico Harrison thinks he can find another coach to lead the Mavericks to greatness.

“If Nico was confident enough to say ‘I can trade Luka Doncic’ at a time when nobody else in the universe thought that, maybe he just wants to let Kidd walk too and just remake this team in his own vision,” Beck explained.

The coaching situation remains complex with multiple factors influencing whether the Knicks can successfully pursue their preferred candidate.

If the Mavericks make it difficult for the Knicks, they may simply choose to look elsewhere to a more easily acquired candidate.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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