The New York Knicks’ head coaching search appears to be in full swing. After making the surprising decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are now eyeing Jason Kidd as a potential candidate to replace the franchise’s fourth-winningest coach. The Knicks recently parted with Thibodeau, who had led the team to its first Eastern Conference finals berth since 2000, but the franchise was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.
According to ESPN, the Knicks are actively vetting Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Since Kidd is under contract with the Mavs, the Knicks would have to submit a formal request to speak to the Dallas coach. Sources told ESPN that the Knicks have yet to request permission to interview Kidd, indicating that the process is still in its early stages. This development may prompt further action from the Knicks, as they continue to seek a viable replacement for Thibodeau.
Exploring a trade could also be a route the Knicks could take. However, the Knicks did exhaust considerable draft capital to acquire forward Mikal Bridges. This highlights their strategy of acquiring talent through trades and free agency to strengthen their roster. The Knicks had previously interviewed Kidd in 2020, but Thibodeau ultimately secured the job.
Kidd spent the final season of his lengthy NBA career with the Knicks. Before taking the Mavs’ head coaching job, Kidd had coaching stints with the Nets and the Bucks. He also served as an assistant coach for the Lakers from 2019-21. With the Knicks now considering him again, the potential of a coaching change looms as a significant event in the league’s latest developments.