The Dallas Mavericks seem like they've found their man in Jason Kidd, as Kidd has led the Mavs to plenty of playoff series wins and an NBA Finals apperance. The end of the Rick Carlisle era has led to some mixed feelings among fans, especially today with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
With Jason Kidd being as cool and collected about his No. 1 pick, referring to Cooper Flagg as "the kid from Duke," there's a fear among Mavs fans that may mean the beginning of the end for Kidd. As rumors of him being linked to the New York Knicks have increased recently, it seems those rumors have quickly shut down (subscription required).
With the Knicks searching for a new head coach with the firing of Tom Thibodeau, it makes sense as to why New York would go after Kidd. He's a veteran NBA coach who spent a year with the Knicks after his second stint with Dallas. The Mavericks have been Kidd's home for a long time, and it looks like it's going to stick that way.
Mavericks will block Knicks from even interviewing Jason Kidd
NBA reporter Marc Stein compared the Mavs situation to the Houston Rockets looking to deny access to the Knicks pursing Ime Udoka.
"Dallas, though, can simply refuse to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd once formally asked and I've heard from a few well-placed observers this week who believe that the Mavericks would ultimately do just that," Stein said.
Simply just ignoring the call from the Knicks is probably the easiest thing to do. It also wouldn't make sense for the Mavs organization to just allow Kidd to walk that easily, as Patrick Dumont and Nico Harrison haven't been given a reason not to stay with Kidd. Even if Kidd seemed clearly frustrated by the Luka Doncic trade, it seems like the organization is on board with Kidd staying.
There have been several names thrown out (from fans speculating) to replace Kidd if he actually leaves. Even if he does, Dallas needs a defensive-minded coach, and Kidd's energy during the 2022 playoffs was praised as the energy that the team needed that Carlisle lacked in his later years with Dallas.
There are still long-term effects for getting rid of Doncic, but a new era is about to make its way to Dallas. With Flagg set to be picked by the Mavs, the defensive minds of Kidd and assistant coach Sean Sweeney will vastly help Flagg in his rookie season for the better.
The Mavericks denying the Knicks' request to interview Kidd will finally shut down the nagging rumors that he could be leaving Dallas and heading to New York, and it seems like he'll be in Dallas for good. Starting the Flagg era with Kidd at he helm will be crucial, and we'll have you covered with all the latest.