The New York Knicks have been denied permission to interview Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the move puts to rest rumors of apparent interest between Kidd and the Knicks. Dallas hadn’t initially shut down Kidd’s availability to interview, which raised questions about his future with the Mavs. Kidd has strong relationships with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, as well as general manager Nico Harrison.
In addition to the rejection from the Mavs, the Knicks have now been denied coach interviews by three teams; the others being the Houston Rockets (who said no to the possibility of the Knicks interviewing Ime Udoka); and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who denied NY permission to interview Chris Finch.
The new report about Kidd means that New York is still on the hunt for Tom Thibodeau’s replacement, after they shocked the sports world with his surprise firing last week. Thibodeau had led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Other potential candidates for the head coaching spot in NY include three recently fired coaches—Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer and Taylor Jenkins.
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