Knicks Eye Jason Kidd as Prime Head Coach Candidate After Tom Thibodeau’s Exit

The Knicks will reportedly pursue Jason Kidd to reunite him with Jalen Brunson after firing head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Tom Thibodeau’s time in New York got here to a shocking shut not lengthy after the Knicks bowed out of the Jap Convention Finals. Regardless of the deep postseason run — their deepest in over 20 years — Thibodeau was proven the door, and with that, the Knicks’ teaching carousel started to show as soon as extra. Now, their eyes are set on a well-known face to one in every of their brightest stars.

Jalen Brunson blossomed right into a franchise cornerstone below Thibodeau, however his ascent started below Jason Kidd in Dallas. That historical past, layered with belief and progress, makes Kidd a pure goal. In keeping with stories, the Knicks plan to formally ask the Mavericks for permission to interview Kidd. The curiosity, described as “critical,” alerts a franchise seeking to pair its star with the coach who first believed in him.

Whereas the choice to half methods with Thibodeau shocked many across the league, the potential pivot to Kidd is rooted in connection, chemistry, and the hope that previous success might be rekindled in Madison Sq. Backyard.

The Brunson-Kidd Bond

Within the 2021–22 season, Jalen Brunson stepped out from the shadows in Dallas — and Jason Kidd was the one who handed him the keys. Beginning 61 video games that 12 months, Brunson averaged over 16 factors and practically 5 assists, changing into a gentle presence and a rising star. Kidd’s perception in him wasn’t simply strategic — it was private.

The New York Knicks are anticipated to request permission to interview Jason Kidd, per @TheSteinLine

“The New York Knicks are anticipated to formally request permission to talk to the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd about their teaching emptiness in coming days, league sources say.”… pic.twitter.com/aBS439P0RJ

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 6, 2025

That belief carried weight. When Brunson inked a $104 million take care of the Knicks in 2022, he publicly credited Kidd for his progress. Within the seasons since, Brunson has turn into one of many league’s most dependable guards, however the roots of that leap stay tied to his time below Kidd.

Now, the Knicks could also be attempting to rekindle that synergy. A reunion wouldn’t simply be symbolic — it could possibly be strategic. Kidd is aware of Brunson’s strengths, understands his management fashion, and helped lay the muse for the participant he’s right now. For a crew with championship aspirations, that alignment between coach and star could possibly be the tipping level.

Will Dallas Let Him Go?

As clear because the Knicks’ curiosity in Kidd seems, the facility lies with the Dallas Mavericks. Kidd signed an extension in Could 2024, and whereas the crew simply completed a disappointing 39–43 season, there are causes for optimism in Dallas. The Mavericks secured the No. 1 decide within the upcoming draft and are anticipated to pick Duke phenom Cooper Flagg — a participant who may redefine their subsequent period.

Nonetheless, the departure of Luka Dončić through a midseason commerce left Dallas in flux. Kidd, who guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals only one 12 months in the past, stays revered inside the group. His .516 profession profitable proportion and talent to adapt to totally different rosters converse to a coach with longevity and poise.

The Mavericks may deny New York’s request outright — and in line with stories, that’s exactly what the Rockets did when the Knicks inquired about Ime Udoka. If Dallas follows swimsuit, the Knicks must pivot. But when they permit Kidd to talk with New York, they might danger watching him stroll towards the franchise he ended his Corridor of Fame enjoying profession with — a full-circle second ready to be written.

Full Circle within the Backyard?

Jason Kidd wore a Knicks jersey as soon as earlier than — in 2012, through the twilight of his enjoying days. Now, greater than a decade later, he may get the possibility to guide the franchise from the bench. It will be a homecoming layered in which means, and one which ties the previous to the current.

One factor is obvious…

Chris FinchJason KiddIme Udoka

The Knicks desire a coach with expertise.

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) June 6, 2025

With Jalen Brunson entrenched because the crew’s coronary heart, and with a fan base ravenous for stability and success, the concept of Kidd pacing the sidelines at Madison Sq. Backyard holds attract. He’s not only a identify on a shortlist. He’s a reputation with legacy, connection, and the credentials to again it up.

The following chapter in New York basketball is being written now — and someplace in Dallas, the writer of its future could also be holding a pen, ready to see if he’ll be requested to signal.