Amidst growing speculation regarding the future of Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, recent reports suggest that the 52-year-old Hall of Famer is likely to remain with the team. Following the surprising dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks have expressed significant interest in hiring Kidd, who still has two seasons left on his current contract. However, sources close to the Mavericks indicate that the franchise is confident that Kidd will not be leaving anytime soon.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that the Knicks had not yet requested permission to speak with Kidd, despite the mounting rumors. Insiders believe that Kidd may be leveraging the Knicks' interest to secure a lucrative contract extension with the Mavericks. However, it remains uncertain how Kidd will react if his expectations for an extension are not met.
There is historical context that may influence Kidd's decision-making. After a stellar 19-year playing career, Kidd was expected to re-sign with the Mavericks in the summer of 2012. Instead, he made a surprising move by signing a multiyear deal with the Knicks to play alongside Carmelo Anthony. This past experience adds a layer of intrigue to the current situation, but the Mavericks are reportedly optimistic that Kidd will not repeat his past decision.
In recent days, Kidd has been actively involved at the Mavericks’ practice facility, participating in workouts and maintaining a routine that suggests he is committed to the team. Furthermore, the Mavericks' ongoing negotiations with former Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns head coach Jay Triano for a lead assistant-coaching position have provided additional insight into Kidd's status. According to league sources, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison made it clear to Triano that Kidd would remain as head coach during their discussions.
Triano, who has been an assistant with the Sacramento Kings for the past three years, recently agreed to terms for the assistant position on Tuesday. This move further solidifies the Mavericks' commitment to Kidd as the head coach moving forward.
Currently, the Knicks are the only team in the NBA with a head-coaching vacancy. Despite Thibodeau leading the team to the playoffs in four of his five seasons, the Knicks decided to part ways with him after they made an impressive run to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years this past spring. Kidd was among the candidates interviewed by the Knicks during their coaching search in 2020, and he maintains a strong relationship with Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson, whom he coached for a season in 2021-22.
Brunson's standout performance in the 2022 playoffs significantly contributed to him securing a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks, raising the profile of a potential Kidd-Brunson reunion. However, internal discussions within the Mavericks have downplayed the likelihood of this scenario, with the prevailing belief that Kidd will continue to lead the team into the upcoming season.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Kidd will navigate the interest from the Knicks and what impact it may have on his future with the Mavericks. The coming weeks are sure to be pivotal for both Kidd and the Mavericks as they look to solidify their plans for the next NBA season.
