The New York Knicks have started their search for a new head coach after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau. NBA insider Marc Stein reports the Knicks are interested in Dallas’ Jason Kidd and Houston’s Ime Udoka, though both are under contract and their teams are unlikely to allow interviews.
Credit: AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter - Scanpix; Sam Hodde/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
The New York Knicks are officially in the market for a new head coach following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, and the front office isn’t wasting time setting its sights high.
Free throws this season
New York Knicks
NBA
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, per TalkBasket, the Knicks are showing interest in two high-profile coaches—Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets—even though both are currently under contract.
Stein reported that while Kidd and Udoka are not available, they are said to interest the Knicks, though early signs suggest both franchises are unlikely to grant permission for interviews.
The Thibodeau's firing decision comes on the heels of a season that saw the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
New York put together an impressive 51–31 regular season, securing the No. 3 seed in the East, but ultimately fell short against the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Landing Kidd or Udoka won’t be easy. A Rockets source told The Stein Line that Houston would categorically deny any request to speak with Udoka, who just guided the team to a 52–30 record and their first Southwest Division title since 2020.
The Mavericks’ stance on Kidd is less clear, but signs point to a similar response. Dallas is coming off a chaotic season that included the blockbuster trade of Luka Doncic and missing the playoffs entirely.
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