Jason Kidd confirmed Wednesday that the Dallas Mavericks denied the New York Knicks’ offseason request to interview him for their head-coaching vacancy, but said he never entertained the idea of leaving the franchise he has long identified with.

“I was never thinking about leaving Dallas,” Kidd said before the Mavericks hosted the Knicks at American Airlines Center. “I love working for (Mavericks governor) Patrick Dumont. Understanding that we have a lot of work here to be done. I’m all in to be able to do that. I was drafted here. I have won here. I love the city. I love the fans. It never crossed my mind to leave Dallas.”

Kidd said the external interest was flattering but not tempting. “I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted,” he said. “That was a nice touch.”

New York Knicks’ Pursuit Stalled After Dallas Mavericks Blocked Interview Request

The Athletic reported on Nov. 12 that there was mutual interest between Jason Kidd and the New York Knicks last summer as the franchise searched for a replacement for former head coach Tom Thibodeau. Kidd still had two years remaining on his contract, and the Dallas Mavericks declined the request. In October, Dallas moved to secure him further with a multi-year contract extension.

Kidd is in his fifth season as Mavericks head coach, a tenure that includes trips to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024. Both playoff runs were built around Luka Dončić, whom the Mavericks later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in February.

Former general manager Nico Harrison awarded Kidd two extensions during his tenure — one during the 2024 playoffs and another a little more than one month ago — before Harrison was fired last week following the team’s 4–11 start.

Jason Kidd Remains Central Voice as Dallas Mavericks Reshape Leadership

Kidd remains a significant influence inside the organization even after the dismissal of Nico Harrison. Patrick Dumont, along with minority owner Mark Cuban and co-interim general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, is relying heavily on Kidd as the Mavericks begin their search for a permanent lead basketball executive.

The Knicks’ interest was rooted partly in Kidd’s connection to New York. He played his final NBA season for the Knicks in 2012–13, helping them win 54 games before retiring and immediately transitioning into coaching.

“It’s the Mecca,” Kidd said of New York. “It’s one of the most popular places to play. I enjoyed that one year. The car ran out of gas at the end. Had to park it.”

The Knicks ultimately hired Mike Brown. They entered Wednesday with an 8–5 record and are still seeking their first road win of the season.

During the offseason, Harrison publicly expressed confidence that Kidd would lead the Mavericks moving forward after the team drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick.

“Are there rumors out there about J-Kidd?” Harrison said. “I thought I shut those down. Yes, he will be the head coach next year.”

That message was echoed by Dumont after Kidd signed his extension.

“Our entire organization deeply appreciates Coach Kidd’s leadership, focus and positive energy,” Dumont said in a statement. “Coach Kidd embodies everything our organization wants in a leader, and I am happy he will be here for many years to come.”

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors