The New York Knicks find themselves at a crossroads this offseason with their head coaching position wide open.
After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau following their Eastern Conference Finals loss, the franchise is searching for the right leader to guide their championship aspirations.
One name has emerged as a compelling candidate.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, both Jason Kidd and the Knicks share mutual interest in making a coaching change happen.
“The way I would describe this is there’s mutual intrigue on both sides and also, I know there’s this whole thing about asking for permission, you don’t ask for permission to hire another team coach. When you ask, you’re going to hire them. So, essentially, when the Knicks express interest, the ball will be in the Mavericks’ court,” Windhorst explained.
There’s mutual interest between Jason Kidd and the Knicks, per @WindhorstESPN
(h/t @WindhorstESPN )
pic.twitter.com/o8M1XmVtbj— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 9, 2025
The situation presents Dallas with three distinct paths forward. They could simply reject any Knicks overtures and keep Kidd locked in for next season.
The Mavericks might also sweeten his current deal to make staying in Dallas irresistible, building on the contract extension he signed last year.
The third option carries the most intrigue for Windhorst. Dallas could entertain trading Kidd for compensation, something the league has witnessed before.
Kidd himself was involved in such a deal over a decade ago when Brooklyn sent him to Milwaukee in exchange for two second-round picks.
Windhorst believes time remains for this scenario to develop, despite speculation that Dallas might refuse interview requests. The ESPN insider isn’t ready to dismiss the possibility entirely.
The Knicks made their coaching change after a six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers ended their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
While reaching that stage represented significant progress, owner James Dolan and president Leon Rose decided the milestone wasn’t enough.
With the team operating in win-now mode, they opted for a fresh direction they believe can finally push New York into the NBA Finals.
NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Names Best Fit For Knicks’ Coaching Job
