New York Knicks Gets Denied by 2 West Teams Amid Head Coaching Search

“Knicks formally reached out to Rockets for permission to talk to head coach Ime Udoka and Rockets denied permission, per people familiar with Rockets’ stance. @MikeFrancesa said Knicks reached out to Minnesota and were denied permission to talk to Chris Finch. The Athletic’s @KellyIko reported last week that Rockets had no interest in entertaining any Udoka-to-NY scenario,” Begley posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Begley also confirmed that Jay Wright, the recently retired Villanova head coach, isn’t a candidate for the position.

“With regard to reports/suggestions of Jay Wright as a Knick coaching candidate, yes, team president Leon Rose & Wright have a close relationship and speak regularly. Because of that, Rose knows Wright is very happy as a retiree, per league source. So Wright is not a candidate for the job, league source said. @SbondyNBA first on it,” Begley reported.

Mavericks expected to decline the New York Knicks’ request regarding Jason Kidd

The New York Knicks have yet to request from the Mavericks in hopes of getting an interview with Kidd. However, New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported that Dallas will decline the permission for the Eastern Conference organization to interview the former NBA star for the position.

“If Knicks ask permission to speak with Jason Kidd “the expectation is Mavs will decline, a league source told The Post…As of Tuesday Mavs had no interest in entertaining idea of allowing Kidd to join Knicks, a source said,” Bondy wrote.

The New York Knicks could have a different approach as they try to look for their new head coach. So far, the candidates they’ve considered are from playoff teams who don’t want to let go of their coach.