Sources: Jay Triano to Join Dallas Mavericks’ Coaching Staff

The Dallas Mavericks are adding longtime NBA coach Jay Triano to their coaching staff as an assistant, sources confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Triano, 65, brings more than two decades of NBA coaching experience to Dallas, including stints as both a head coach and lead assistant for offense. He will serve as one of the Mavericks’ lead assistants behind Sean Sweeney, with Jared Dudley also continuing in a prominent role on Jason Kidd’s bench.

Triano effectively replaces Alex Jensen, who left the Mavericks midseason to become head coach at the University of Utah.

Jay Triano Brings Offensive Pedigree, Leadership Experience

Triano spent the past three seasons as associate head coach of the Sacramento Kings, helping guide one of the NBA’s most productive offenses under head coach Mike Brown. Known for his offensive creativity and player development acumen, Triano previously served as head coach of the Toronto Raptors from 2008-11 and as interim head coach of the Phoenix Suns during the 2017-18 season.

While he compiled a 108-200 record as an NBA head coach, Triano is highly regarded for his ability to design efficient offenses and work with young talent. His coaching resume also includes assistant roles with both the Raptors and Suns. His strengths are seen as a strong fit as the franchise integrates No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg.

Triano also arrives with existing relationships on the Dallas staff, having previously coached assistants Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley during their playing days in Phoenix.

Jason Kidd’s Status and Staff Stability

Triano’s hiring comes as speculation continues to swirl around Kidd’s future with the franchise. While the Mavericks have not publicly addressed Kidd’s status, he remains in place as head coach. League sources have informed DallasHoopsJournal.com that while Kidd has drawn interest from the New York Knicks, the team has not requested permission to interview him, and the Mavericks are expected to reject such a request if one was to be made.

Dallas is coming off a turbulent 2024-25 season that included the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis and a late-season playoff push. The Mavericks will enter next season with a reshaped roster and expectations to contend in the Western Conference behind Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Flagg.