Following Tom Thibodeau's parting ways with the Knicks, the NBA media pondered his potential replacements. One name that stood out for quite a few analysts was Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Mavericks.
According to reports, one reason why Kidd is considered a frontrunner to land the job in New York is due to the aftermath of Luka Doncic's trade.
"Furthermore, Kidd didn’t always enjoy being Dallas’ spokesperson in the aftermath of the franchise trading Luka Doncic, per league sources," wrote James L Edwards of The Athletic.
On a fine evening in February 2025, out of nowhere, Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. In the aftermath of what are the next steps for the Mavericks, Jason Kidd got a lot more attention and scrutiny for his decisions. He became the spokesperson of the franchise that shocked the entire league. It is natural to feel like the scapegoat in that position, and it would be understandable if Kidd decided Dallas is no longer the place he wants to pursue a championship.
With Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving both eventually down with injury near the end of the season, Kidd felt tremendous pressure to get results. So much so that he even decided not to speak to the media after a few games. The Mavericks finished the season with 39 wins and 43 losses, landing them in the 10th seed for the play-in tournament. They lost to the Grizzlies and were eliminated from the Playoffs.
Until the Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, it would be understandable if Kidd felt the most pressure on the Mavericks. Davis was new, and Irving was just handed the reins to a team he knew he was playing the Robin role for (where Luka Doncic was Batman), therefore, all the pressure landed on Kidd's shoulders from the media. This put him in a rather frustrating position with the Mavericks, and this is a contributing factor in analysts predicting that Kidd will eventually land the Knicks job.
Recent reports claim the Knicks plan to formally contact Kidd through the Mavericks. However, no such formal request has been made to the Mavericks, and if they do make one, the Mavericks are expected to deny it.
Markieff Morris' Thoughts On Jason Kidd-Knicks Rumors
Markieff Morris, the NBA veteran, was also a part of the trade package that sent Luka Doncic to LA. He joined Maxi Kleber and Doncic in LA in exchange for Max Christie and Anthony Davis coming to Dallas.
He recently appeared on ESPN's 'Get Up' segment, where he revealed his opinion on how Kidd would perform for the Knicks if he were to sign with New York and why he may not do it because of what position the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes have put the Mavericks in.
"Yes, for sure, I think he takes the Knicks to the title. But look, if I'm J-Kidd, the way that Dallas is set up, we're more in a win-now position than the Knicks. Obviously, the Knicks had a great year, but you get Kyrie Irving back, you get the No. 1 pick, with Anthony Davis, with PJ Washington and those guys, you're ready right now to win a championship."
Morris feels that while the Knicks had a great run this season, the Mavericks have all the necessary "tools" that Kidd needs to win a championship. Hence, he may not take up the Knicks job even if the Mavericks front office allows them to contact him.
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