Jason Kidd Eyeing Knicks Job Amid Fallout in Dallas

Report: Jason Kidd Eyeing Knicks Job Amid Fallout in Dallas — Mutual Interest Growing

The New York Knicks are officially in the market for a new head coach and one of the NBA’s biggest names could be eyeing the job.

Just days after dismissing Tom Thibodeau despite a successful regular season and a deep playoff run, the Knicks may be setting their sights on current Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Not only is New York interested in the nine-year veteran coach, but mutual interest is reportedly brewing between both sides.

This comes on the heels of a report from NBA insider Marc Stein, who said the Knicks are expected to formally request permission from the Mavericks to interview Kidd in the coming days.

While Kidd just guided the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance in 2024, the situation in Dallas has become rocky behind the scenes. The turning point? The blockbuster Luka Dončić trade that sent the All-NBA guard to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick  a trade made without Kidd’s prior knowledge or input, according to league sources.

Why Would Kidd Leave Dallas?

Kidd, who boasts a 179-149 record during his tenure in Dallas, has become visibly frustrated with the communication breakdown inside the Mavericks front office. While general manager Nico Harrison pulled off the league-shaking Dončić trade, his failure to involve Kidd in the decision process reportedly opened the door for a potential exit.

That decision may come back to haunt Dallas  not only did they lose a generational star, but they may now be on the verge of losing the head coach who helped guide them to their first Finals appearance since 2011.

A Familiar Fit in New York

Should Kidd land in New York, the move would mark a homecoming of sorts. He played his final NBA season as a member of the Knicks during the 2012-13 campaign, where he helped the team reach the second round of the playoffs. That same year, he served as a veteran mentor for then-rising star J.R. Smith and defensive anchor Tyson Chandler.

More importantly, Kidd has a deep connection with Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ franchise point guard. The two developed strong chemistry in Dallas during Brunson’s rise to prominence in 2021. With Brunson now the face of the Knicks’ future, a Kidd reunion could be the next strategic move in New York’s “win-now” timeline.

What’s Next?

Despite losing Thibodeau, New York made one thing clear in its official statement: the goal is a championship — now. That mandate makes Jason Kidd a top-tier target. He’s proven he can guide a team to the Finals and build a cohesive culture around dynamic guard play.

On the other hand, Dallas can’t afford to lose him  especially after already parting ways with Dončić. But as the rift between Kidd and the Mavericks’ front office grows, the Knicks appear ready to pounce.

A coaching change is coming to Madison Square Garden. And if the stars align  and Dallas continues to fumble the post-Luka era Jason Kidd might be leading the Knicks into their most ambitious chapter yet.