The Dallas Mavericks may have denied the New York Knicks a chance to interview Jason Kidd, but the head coach has an ace up his sleeve.
The New York Knicks seem to have hit a roadblock in their hunt for their next head coach. After the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, they immediately turned their eyes to the coaching market.
Since then, the one name that has constantly been mentioned is Jason Kidd. It appeared that the Knicks were dead-set on landing Kidd as their next head coach.
However, they were dealt a reality check yesterday, as the Mavericks, among other teams, rejected the Knicks’ advances.
The clock is ticking on the Knicks’ head coach hunt. But a new report suggests they might not have to give up on Jason Kidd.
In a report by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, it appears that Jason Kidd to the New York Knicks is still a possibility.
Bondy is reporting that Kidd wants a new contract from the Dallas Mavericks. Should the Mavericks turn down this request and the Knicks offer him what he wants, Kidd could try and force his way out of Dallas.
“Kidd, according to sources, is angling for a contract extension from the Mavericks. If he doesn’t get one and the Knicks offer, let’s say, a five-year deal, it’s possible Kidd makes it so uncomfortable for the Mavericks that the owner decides it’s better to let him go than risk dysfunction.”
“The interest between the Knicks and Kidd is mutual, per sources, with James Dolan and Brunson said to be fans.”
This bombshell might just be the news the Knicks front office was waiting for. If the interest from Leon Rose and James Dolan is high, then the Mavericks are not out of the woods on the coaching front just yet.
If Jason Kidd decides to make things difficult for the front office, Nico Harrison could decide to avoid the headache and let him walk.
The Mavericks have the option to trade Jason Kidd to the Knicks, a route Brian Windhorst suggested as it has worked in the past.
The Mavericks have a crucial off-season coming, as they will draft Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick, barring any changes. The team has already organized an interview for the rookie sensation.
Flagg’s development is of paramount importance. And the Mavericks cannot afford yet another sideshow with their coach after the months of turmoil they experienced after the Luka Doncic trade.
The Mavericks are relying on Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving to mentor Cooper Flagg. But that mentorship might fall on deaf ears if Jason Kidd destabilizes the hierarchy in an effort to leave.
