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The New York Knicks are stirring the NBA coaching landscape in their search for a replacement for Tom Thibodeau, who was fired after team’s Game 6 loss against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Dallas Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd has now emerged as a top target, with ESPN’s Brian WIndhorst reporting mutual interest between Kidd and the Knicks. With nine years of head coaching experience and a 179-149 record in Dallas, including a 2024 NBA Finals Appearance. Kidd’s proven leadership makes him an appealing choice to guide New York’s roster lead by their leader, Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are eager to make some upgrades this offseason, including the head coaching job, and Kidd’s familiarity with Brunson from their 2021-2022 season together in Dallas adds another layer of intrigue to the potential move.
However, the Mavericks may block New York’s plans, as reports indicate that they’re unlikely to let the Knicks to interview Kidd. Despite the blockbuster trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers, Kidd remained with the Mavericks, serving as the cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks and are trying to push for another NBA finals run next season. As the Knicks hunt for a new head coach, the question to be asked is if Jason Kidd is what the Knicks want to acquire, alongside a big player from the free agency like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Stephen A. Smith Believe that Jason Kidd Should Stick with the Mavs
NBA Analyst, Stephen A. Smith believe that Jason Kidd should remain with the Dallas Mavericks, despite his obvious love for the Knicks. When asked, which team is more appealing to coach, Smith replied, “Me personally it’s the Mavs. And I’m a Knicks fan and I can say that sincerely. The reasons I say that is a couple of reasons… No.1 Cooper Flagg… Here’s the biggest reasons why I would say the Mavs instead of the Knicks. Because the Knicks gave away five first round picks for Mikal Bridges, four unprotected. So the assets that you have to improve upon what you have done, is not there.”
Stephen A. Smith is right about the Knicks’ situation currently. The exchange for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, completely drained them of their assets last season, and they do not have much to experiment with. The only significant change that the Knicks can make is trade for Kevin Durant for some players, or go all out to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s reportedly interest in joining another team for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, have the number one pick in the draft in Cooper Flagg, deemed by many as a generational talent. The Mavs when healthy are one of the scariest teams in the West with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and of course Cooper Flagg. Kidd will have a much better time coaching at Dallas than the Knicks, but one thing to keep in mind is that the Mavericks have a new ownership, and Kidd may or may not be a huge fan of them.
The Luka Doncic trade involved multiple people, but we never really came to know about how Jason Kidd felt as the head coach for the team. Was he involved in trading him away, or did Kidd want Doncic at Dallas? Only time may tell. So looking at that, there is a slight possibility that Kidd considers coaching the Knicks instead. However, those are just speculations for now.