The New York Knicks are reportedly looking to reunite star Jalen Brunson with the first coach that put him in a starring role. New York is expected to ask the Dallas Mavericks for permission to interview Jason Kidd for the Knicks’ open head-coaching position, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Knicks’ interest in Kidd is said to be “serious,” per Stein, with some believing Kidd is near the top of the franchise’s wish list.
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The Knicks are in the market for a new head coach after the surprising firing of Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games, and Thibodeau was let go days after New York was eliminated.
It’s unclear how the Mavericks will respond to the Knicks’ request. Dallas has the ability to turn down the Knicks, leaving New York to find other options if the team isn’t allowed to speak with Kidd. While the Knicks reportedly also have interest in Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, Stein reported the team would turn down that request.
Kidd, 52, was hired by the Mavericks ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. That season coincided with the first time Brunson worked his way into a starting role. He averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists in 79 games. That offseason, Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks. He continued to excel from there, consistently thanking Kidd for helping the Knicks guard develop into a star player.
Kidd has mostly experienced success in four seasons with the Mavericks. The team made two playoff appearances under Kidd, reaching the NBA Finals last year before losing to the Boston Celtics in five games.
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Injuries — and a shocking trade of superstar guard Luka Dončić — caused the Mavericks to regress to 39-43 this season. While that trade left the Mavericks in limbo, help is on the way. Dallas secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The team is expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg with that pick.
That — combined with the fact that Kidd signed an extension with the team in May of 2024 — could lead to Kidd sticking around in Dallas.
Kidd has compiled a .516 winning percentage over his nine-year career as a head coach. That number has come with three different franchises. Kidd began his head-coaching career with the Brooklyn Nets before eventually joining the Milwaukee Bucks. After spending two years as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kidd was hired by Dallas in 2021.
Given his connection with Brunson — and the fact that he finished his playing career in New York — Kidd could have interest in a move to the Knicks. Whether he gets that chance is up to the Mavericks, who hold all the power if the Knicks come calling.
