A New Chapter In The Garden? Knicks Show Interest In Jason Kidd Amid Coaching Overhaul

Change is in the air at Madison Square Garden. After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau, the coach who brought stability, toughness, and playoff success back to the New York Knicks, the franchise is once again in search of a new leader to guide its next chapter. And one of the names at the center of their early deliberations is a familiar face in NBA circles — Dallas Mavericks head coach and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd.

According to league sources, the Knicks are seriously considering Kidd as a candidate to replace Thibodeau, though they have not yet formally requested permission to speak with the current Mavericks coach. Kidd, who recently guided Dallas to an NBA Finals appearance in 2024, still has two years left on his contract, complicating matters further.

While no official discussions have taken place, New York’s interest in Kidd signals the organization’s desire to pivot toward a coach with both a player-centric approach and a history of competing at the highest levels — not only as a head coach, but also as one of the game’s all-time great point guards.

The Kidd Factor: Why the Knicks Are Interested

Jason Kidd is no stranger to the New York spotlight. His final season as an NBA player was with the Knicks back in 2013, during one of the team’s more promising recent campaigns. That stint helped lay the foundation for a second act in the league — this time from the sidelines.

After short-lived coaching tenures with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, Kidd found his stride in Dallas, where he helped the Mavericks build a contending roster around Luka Dončić. His 2024 coaching campaign was arguably his finest, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in a tightly contested Western Conference.

But Kidd’s value extends beyond the win-loss column. His ability to connect with star players, adapt in the playoffs, and bring a player’s perspective to the sideline has earned him respect throughout the league. That’s exactly what the Knicks — a team loaded with young talent and ambitious front-office leadership — may be looking for.

Thibodeau’s Legacy and the Knicks’ New Direction

Tom Thibodeau’s exit from the Knicks was both shocking and, to some, inevitable. In a results-driven business, he delivered — back-to-back 50-win seasons, a second-round triumph over the defending champion Celtics, and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades. Yet, in the end, it wasn’t enough to secure his future in New York.

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Reports indicate that the Knicks’ decision to move on from Thibodeau wasn’t strictly about wins and losses. Fatigue and friction within the rotation, particularly his reliance on the starting five deep into the season, led to declining returns during crunch time. While Thibodeau’s .579 regular-season winning percentage ranks highest in league history for a coach without a Finals appearance (among those who’ve coached at least 300 games), the inability to cross the conference championship threshold loomed large.

For New York, this coaching search is more than a simple replacement — it’s about taking the next leap.

Kidd’s Contract Complications and Potential Trade Scenarios

Bringing Jason Kidd to New York won’t be as simple as extending an offer. He remains under contract with the Mavericks through 2027, thanks to a multi-year extension he signed following Dallas’ run to the Finals. That deal would require the Knicks to secure permission from Mavericks ownership to initiate formal talks — a step they have yet to take.

According to sources, neither Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison nor team governor Patrick Dumont have had internal discussions about allowing Kidd to speak with New York. In fact, the situation may be further complicated by recent internal dynamics, including the franchise’s controversial decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Lakers — a move reportedly made without consulting Kidd beforehand.

Should Dallas choose to permit the conversation, compensation could be required, a practice not unheard of in the NBA. But that presents its own challenges for the Knicks, who are limited in trade assets after surrendering five first-round picks in the blockbuster deal to acquire Mikal Bridges last offseason.

Still, New York holds a few cards: a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick from the Washington Wizards, eight second-round picks, and multiple future pick-swap options in 2026, 2030, 2031, and 2032. Whether that’s enough to entice Dallas remains to be seen.

Familiar Territory: Kidd’s Knicks Interview History

This wouldn’t be the first time Kidd has been on New York’s coaching radar. Back in 2020, he was among a pool of candidates interviewed for the Knicks job, before the franchise ultimately handed the reins to Thibodeau. At the time, Kidd was serving as an assistant with the Lakers and was praised for his behind-the-scenes influence on LeBron James and the Lakers’ offense.

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Though he missed out on that opportunity, the Knicks’ interest in revisiting the idea may signal a newfound alignment between Kidd’s coaching philosophy and New York’s evolving identity — especially with a roster full of ascending players like Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and Mikal Bridges.

A Pivotal Moment for New York’s Front Office

Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office are at a crossroads. After years of rebuilding, acquiring assets, and assembling a deep roster, the team now appears poised to shift from playoff threat to championship contender. But making that jump often requires a shift in voice and vision.

While Thibodeau brought grit and accountability, the next coach may be expected to provide innovation, adaptability, and a deeper focus on load management and rotational balance. Kidd, with a reputation for fostering player growth and managing egos, could be a strong cultural match for a Knicks locker room already rich in camaraderie and chemistry.

Still, other names are also in the mix. The Knicks are expected to cast a wide net, and early reports suggest they are performing due diligence on several potential candidates, including both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming assistants around the league.

Source: Sources: Knicks interested in speaking with Jason Kidd

A Gamble Worth Taking?

The idea of prying Kidd away from Dallas — a franchise still finding its footing after moving on from its franchise superstar — would be a bold maneuver. But in New York, bold moves are often the only kind that matter.

For a franchise long desperate to regain its place among the NBA elite, Kidd might represent a bridge between the past and the future. A former Knick. A proven strategist. A player who knows what it takes to win. And most importantly, a coach who may be ready for a second New York act — this time, from the bench.

Whether the front office ultimately pursues Kidd or lands on another candidate, what’s clear is this: The Knicks’ coaching search isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about finding the right architect to guide one of the most storied franchises in basketball into a new era — and maybe, just maybe, to its long-awaited championship destination.