Knicks have nine-time All-Star among desired coaching candidates

The New York Knicks are searching for a new head coach. The front office fired Tom Thibodeau on June 3, despite him leading the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

With Thibodeau now out of the picture, the Knicks will likely look for a younger, more innovative coach to try to get the best out of the current roster. New York is fortunate to have some elite offensive talents and two of the best defensive forwards in the NBA.

According to a June 6 report from ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon, the Knicks hold an interest in Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks.

"The New York Knicks are conducting active due diligence on Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd among other head coaching candidates in their search to replace Tom Thibodeau, sources told ESPN," Charania and MacMahon reported. "The Knicks have yet to request permission to speak to Kidd, who has two years remaining on the contract extension he signed during the Mavs' 2024 run to the NBA Finals, sources said."

Kidd, a nine-time All-Star during his playing days, has amassed a coaching record of 362 wins and 339 losses in 701 regular-season NBA games spanning tenures with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Mavericks. He also holds a 31-33 record in the postseason, with trips to the playoffs at all of his coaching stops.

Targeting Kidd makes sense for New York. He is only one year removed from leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. He has proven capable of implementing diverse and successful offensive and defensive schemes. Furthermore, he's coached some of the world's best talent. His reputation as a former elite player allows him to control a locker room.

Furthermore, Kidd knows what it takes to suit up for New York. He spent the final season of his career with the franchise. Therefore, he can relate to the players on the roster, and the scrutiny they face in the league's largest media market. 

If New York can pry Kidd away from the Mavericks, they will be acquiring an established young coach with a successful track record. They will also be reuniting him with Jalen Brunson, while giving him an elite big man in Karl-Anthony Towns. 

The Knicks clearly felt they needed a new voice leading the team next season. Kidd would be a wise choice. Unfortunately for New York, Dallas is unlikely to let him go without a fight.