Knicks persist in long-shot pursuit of Jason Kidd despite Mavericks blocking interview

After parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are looking to bring in a new face at the helm. However, the process has proven much more difficult than the front office may have initially anticipated. 

New York has been scouring the market for a new head coach, even requesting permission to interview several coaches from other NBA teams. Two of those targets — Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka — have since signed long-term extensions after New York expressed interest. While Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd could be next in line for an extension and raise, Dallas has yet to decide on whether to renegotiate or stick with his current deal.

According to Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints, the door for Kidd to join the Knicks technically remains open, and New York will pursue him until it’s officially closed. However, the Mavericks have already denied the Knicks’ interview request, complicating what was already considered to be a long-shot pursuit. 

Kidd has spent the past four seasons as Dallas’ head coach and signed a multi-year extension in 2024. During that stretch, he has led the Mavericks to a 179-149 record in the regular season, highlighted by a run to the 2024 NBA Finals. 

If Kidd ultimately remains in Dallas, the Knicks will continue to explore other options. The club reportedly has interest in former Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, both of whom were dismissed during the 2024-25 season. However, the Knicks are also expected to expand their head coaching search to the collegiate ranks, leaving no stone unturned ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.