The New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing their next head coach, and the individual they have in mind may surprise many. Instead of looking at rising assistants or free agents, the Knicks are setting their sights on Jason Kidd, the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. This development comes shortly after the franchise parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, following a season in which they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Reports from respected NBA insiders like Marc Stein and Shams Charania indicate that the Knicks are keen on Kidd as they aim to secure their first championship title in over 50 years. The firing of Thibodeau has generated significant curiosity about the basketball team’s future and the strategic direction they intend to take.
### The Mechanics of Hiring a Current Head Coach
In the realm of professional sports, hiring a coach who is currently under contract with another team is a viable option, albeit with certain caveats. If both the prospective coach and the team show mutual interest, it becomes a possibility for the hiring team to approach the current employer. However, this usually involves a cost. An example can be drawn from the Milwaukee Bucks, who sent a pair of second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets when they hired Kidd back in 2014. Similarly, when the Los Angeles Clippers appointed Doc Rivers in 2013, they compensated the Boston Celtics with an unprotected first-round pick.
While the Knicks do not have unprotected first-round picks available, they do possess the Washington Wizards’ top-eight protected first-rounder for 2026, along with several second-round picks that could provide a competitive offer. It appears the Mavericks are willing to let discussions between Kidd and the Knicks occur, adding another layer of intrigue to this potential coaching transition.
### The Appeal of Jason Kidd
This isn’t the first time the Knicks have considered Kidd for the lead coaching role. Back in 2020, he was among the finalists for the head coaching position before deciding to stay on Frank Vogel’s staff with the Los Angeles Lakers, who ultimately won the championship that season. Fast forward four years, and Kidd has significantly elevated his profile as a coach, bringing with him nearly a decade of head coaching experience and a commendable record of 362-339 across his tenures with the Bucks, Mavericks, and a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets.
Under Kidd’s leadership, the Mavericks secured a spot in the NBA Finals, finishing the season with a 52-30 record. Moreover, his work with Jalen Brunson, who enjoyed a breakout season under Kidd, makes him an even more compelling candidate for the Knicks. Brunson, now a crucial player for the Knicks, has spoken highly of his unique relationship with Kidd, indicating that their connection could foster a productive working environment.
Kidd also has a profound track record in player development, having played a pivotal role in the growth of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo while in Milwaukee. This experience could prove invaluable as the Knicks look to build a more cohesive and competitive unit.
### What Does Kidd Bring to the Knicks?
A significant aspect of Kidd’s potential fit with the Knicks lies in his extensive background as a Hall of Fame point guard, complemented by his history at Madison Square Garden. He spent his final NBA season with the Knicks and has a direct connection to the organization. As a 10-time All-Star and a key player in the 2011 championship-winning Mavericks team, Kidd commands respect and has the credibility necessary to effectively lead the Knicks.
Kidd’s recent performance in the NBA Finals is noteworthy, as his coaching strategies were instrumental in guiding the Mavericks through various playoff challenges. His ability to develop players like Dereck Lively III and Jaden Hardy into playoff contributors speaks volumes about his coaching acumen.
### An Array of Candidates
While Jason Kidd stands out as a strong candidate, he is not the only name being floated in the Knicks’ coaching search. There are at least 23 other potential candidates, including current and former head coaches like Ime Udoka, Mike Malone, and Taylor Jenkins. Additionally, respected assistants like Chris Quinn, Jerry Stackhouse, and Johnnie Bryant are also under consideration. Jeff Van Gundy, a former Knicks head coach, is another name worth monitoring.
The Knicks have a myriad of options for their coaching vacancy, but Kidd’s deep-rooted history in the league, along with his success and player development skills, make him a particularly attractive choice.
### Conclusion
The Knicks’ decision to target Jason Kidd as their potential next head coach highlights a commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending for a championship. As they explore this coaching transition, the implications of bringing Kidd aboard could be far-reaching—not just for the organization’s immediate future but for its identity in the league as well.
Kidd’s experience, credibility, and ability to connect with players may be just what the Knicks need as they seek to enhance their performance on the court and finally capture that elusive championship title. With multiple angles to consider, Knicks fans eagerly await the next chapter in the team’s evolving narrative as they embark on this pivotal coaching journey.
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