What the Knicks may have to give up to get Kidd deal over the line
After Tom Thibodeau was relieved of his duties, the Knicks have now sounded out their ideal choice for the role.
The ruthlessness of sport often reveals itself when major decisions are made about the futures of those who bring us so much joy. Even if that joy is fleeting—a brief light in the dark—it leaves a mark. As fans, we carry those moments with us forever.
Letting go of Tom Thibodeau was exactly that kind of moment. The man who led the Knicks to their closest brush with a championship in a generation is now gone. Dismissed after falling to the surging Pacers, Thibodeau likely won’t be out of work for long. But recovering emotionally from both the playoff defeat and the firing is another challenge altogether.
Still, as is always the case in sport, the show must go on. Reports now link the Knicks to Jason Kidd, who is said to be among the candidates being considered to lead the team into its next chapter.
Kidd, currently head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and previously approached by the Knicks before they hired Tom Thibodeau, is reportedly among the names on New York’s shortlist of potential coaching candidates, according to ESPN. Other head coaches are also being considered.
The report states that the Knicks are “conducting active due diligence” on Kidd but have “yet to request permission” to formally speak with him.
Kidd’s current contract with the Mavericks, signed in 2024, has two years remaining—something that could complicate any potential exit, as the Texas franchise holds the leverage.
Further limiting the Knicks’ bargaining power is their depleted stock of draft assets. The team traded five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets last summer in exchange for forward Mikal Bridges.
However, they still hold a top-eight-protected 2026 pick from the Washington Wizards and eight second-round selections, including the No. 50 pick in the upcoming draft. They also retain first-round swap rights in 2026, 2030, 2031, and 2032.
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Kidd’s Dallas side has a 54.6% win percentage (179-149) in four seasons at the Mavericks and led the side to the NBA Finals last year.
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