Knicks looking to Oakland for their new head coach

The Knicks interviewed Jason Kidd in 2020 for their head coach job, when Kidd was a Los Angeles Lakers assistant for their title-winning team, ultimately deciding to hire Thibodeau. He's since become the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. Kidd grew up in Oakland, California, starring at St. Joseph's High School in neighboring Alameda.

Kidd is still under contract as the head coach of the Mavericks, though they may be willing to let him go. Circumstances have changed in Dallas after the team traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, then won the draft lottery for the chance to select super-prospect Cooper Flagg. If the Mavericks decide to build around Flagg, they might want to move on from a win-now, veteran-focused coach like Kidd, especially since he was hired by previous owner Mark Cuban.

Of course, the Mavericks can also deny permission, which could open the door for another Oakland native, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant. He was one of two finalists for the Phoenix Suns head job that ultimately went to fellow Cavs assistant Jordan Ott, but Bryant, an alumnus of Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, has strong Knicks ties.

For four years, Bryant was the Knicks lead assistant under Coach Thibs in New York. He left for the same position under Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, reuniting with Donovan Mitchell, whom he helped turn into an All-Star in his time as a Utah Jazz assistant.

Ultimately, the move comes down to Knicks owner James Dolan. Marc Stein reported that most league insiders believe Dolan made the decision to fire Thibodeau, which suggests he'll make the ultimate call on the team's new coach. Bryant may be the popular choice with fans and Knicks players, but Dolan may not want to hand over the keys to a rookie head coach.

The other preferred Knicks candidate is Ime Udoka, but the Houston Rockets are unlikely to let the Knicks talk to their head coach. The choice may come down to two former point guards from Oakland. The city may no longer have an NBA team, but it will be able to claim an NBA head coach.