The New York Knicks began their offseason with a shocking move after they decided to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday.
This move was a major surprise as many around the NBA world believed that New York would run it back next season with Thibodeau manning the sidelines after he helped lead them to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
Instead, the Knicks believed that it was time to make a change as they try to make a title run next season.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Thibodeau now gone, there have been many different people who have been linked to New York’s coaching vacancy.
Of course, Michael Malone, Mike Brown, Johnnie Bryant and Jay Wright have all had their names come up in rumors surrounding the Knicks’ coaching search but New York could instead try and steal a head coach from a different NBA team according to an NBA insider.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks are expected to request permission to interview Dallas Mavericks head coach and NBA legend Jason Kidd for their head coaching vacancy.
“The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission to speak to the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd about their coaching vacancy in coming days, league sources say,” Stein wrote.
This is a shocking report by Stein but it is clear that the Knicks view Kidd as a potentially perfect fit for their head coaching position, though the Mavericks may not allow them to interview him.
Of course, Kidd has been the Mavericks’ head coach since 2021 but after they made some questionable moves, including trading Luka Doncic, last season, the Hall of Fame point guard could look to leave Dallas for a better opportunity.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Despite this, the Mavericks can shut down an interview between the Knicks and Kidd, which is the likely outcome of this situation.
Because of this, it is likely that the Knicks will have to look elsewhere to fill their opening at head coach.