Nov 27, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

New York Knicks-Jason Kidd rumors take expected twist

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The New York Knicks are searching for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau despite a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, their best playoff run in 25 years. It was a surprising move and it seems like they made the decision with a clear plan in place.

One of their top targets seemed to be Jason Kidd, currently the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Although Dallas has yet to outright deny it, they expect Jason Kidd to be their coach next season, and they've been adding assistant coaches to the staff. That forced the Knicks to pivot in another direction.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported late Tuesday night that the Knicks submitted official requests to interview two head coaches: Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets. Both of those requests were swiftly denied, as expected, forcing the Knicks to pivot again.

As of Tuesday night, the Knicks had not submitted an official request to the Mavericks to interview Kidd, though it's expected that the Mavericks would deny it if that request came through.

The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN. Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025

With their top three options likely off the board, it'll force the Knicks to other candidates. Michael Malone and Taylor Jenkins are recently fired coaches who have a lot of respect around the NBA and they could interest the Knicks.

Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns job, but people around the Knicks have said he doesn't seem to be a viable candidate. So they could end up with a coach they don't really desire.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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