The Knicks formally asked the Rockets for permission to speak with head coach Ime Udoka and were rejected, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
Knicks formally reached out to Rockets for permission to talk to head coach Ime Udoka and Rockets denied permission, per people familiar with Rockets’ stance. @MikeFrancesa said Knicks reached out to Minnesota and were denied permission to talk to Chris Finch. The Athletic’s…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 11, 2025
As expected, the Knicks formally reached out to the Houston Rockets regarding permission to speak with head coach Ime Udoka. New York has been without a coach since deciding to part ways with Tom Thibodeau after its Eastern Conference finals loss.
Also as expected, the Rockets denied that request, SNY’s Ian Begley reported Tuesday night. He cited people familiar with Houston’s stance.
Udoka remains under contract with Houston for the next two seasons.
Coming off a season with the NBA’s fourth-best record and a young and improving roster, the Rockets like the course they’re on. Moreover, Udoka finished third in 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year voting. So, there’s not much incentive for Houston — even if offered lucrative compensation — to consider letting Udoka out of his contract to speak with the Knicks.
It is possible that New York’s interest could be mentioned by Udoka and his representation in future negotiations with the Rockets, who are likely planning to give him a contract extension by the 2026 offseason at the latest. Clearly, the plan for both Udoka and the Rockets is for their partnership to continue beyond the current contract.