The Dallas Mavericks have rejected a request from the New York Knicks to interview their head coach, Jason Kidd, for their vacant head coaching position, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Dallas is apparently committed to retaining Kidd.
"The New York Knicks requested permission Wednesday morning to speak to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd – and Dallas gave a firm rejection, sources tell ESPN," Charania posted to X.
"Knicks have been denied now on Kidd, Minnesota's Chris Finch and Houston's Ime Udoka."
The Knicks, who parted ways with Tom Thibodeau last week after an Eastern Conference Finals appearance—their first in 25 years—are aggressively pursuing established head coaches to lead their talented roster.
However, their efforts to secure interviews with top-tier coaches under contract have been consistently rebuffed.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Kidd, 52, has been a focal point of the Knicks' coaching search due to his prior connections with the organization and his proven track record. A Hall of Fame point guard, Kidd ended his playing career with the Knicks in the 2012-13 season and has a strong relationship with Jalen Brunson, whom he coached during the guard’s breakout 2021-22 season in Dallas.
Kidd’s tenure with the Mavericks has been marked by a 179-149 regular-season record and a trip to the 2024 NBA Finals, though the team struggled this season, finishing 39-43 after trading superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite speculation that Kidd might be open to a move, particularly given the Mavericks’ recent roster upheaval, Dallas appears intent on keeping him.
Reports suggest Kidd is eyeing a contract extension, leveraging interest from New York to solidify his position. The Mavericks’ hiring of assistant coach Jay Triano, with assurances that Kidd would remain head coach, further signals their commitment.
For the Knicks, the denials mark a challenging start to their search for Thibodeau’s successor. With limited draft assets after last summer’s trade for Mikal Bridges, New York may need to pivot to other candidates, such as former head coaches Mike Budenholzer or Frank Vogel, or explore assistants like Johnnie Bryant.
As the lone NBA team without a head coach, the Knicks face pressure to find a leader capable of elevating their championship-contending roster.
More NBA: Mavs predicted to fire Nico Harrison, trade $175.4 million star to Hornets