The New York Knicks’ search to fill their coaching vacancy has begun with going after coaches employed by other teams.
So far, they’ve struck out three times.
This week, New York asked the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks for permission to talk to their coaches — Ime Udoka, Chris Finch and Jason Kidd. All three teams denied permission, league sources said.
The pursuit of Kidd is the most intriguing of the Knicks’ three attempts. The Mavericks’ coach is someone New York covets highly, per league sources, and thought it had a chance to get. However, Dallas has shown no interest in parting ways with Kidd, league sources said, as he has taken the franchise to an NBA Finals and two Western Conference finals in four seasons.
Even with the Mavericks not allowing the Knicks to speak with Kidd, it’s possible that New York could offer Dallas a trade package that it can’t refuse to pry him away. However, in that event, the Knicks must already know that Kidd is interested in coming to New York. It would also imply that Kidd might be willing to cause drama behind the scenes to force Dallas to change its mind, with the hope that the Mavericks will work with the Knicks to facilitate a move.
If so, could the Mavericks alert the league about potential tampering? It’s possible.
So far, they’ve struck out three times.
This week, New York asked the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks for permission to talk to their coaches — Ime Udoka, Chris Finch and Jason Kidd. All three teams denied permission, league sources said.
The pursuit of Kidd is the most intriguing of the Knicks’ three attempts. The Mavericks’ coach is someone New York covets highly, per league sources, and thought it had a chance to get. However, Dallas has shown no interest in parting ways with Kidd, league sources said, as he has taken the franchise to an NBA Finals and two Western Conference finals in four seasons.
Even with the Mavericks not allowing the Knicks to speak with Kidd, it’s possible that New York could offer Dallas a trade package that it can’t refuse to pry him away. However, in that event, the Knicks must already know that Kidd is interested in coming to New York. It would also imply that Kidd might be willing to cause drama behind the scenes to force Dallas to change its mind, with the hope that the Mavericks will work with the Knicks to facilitate a move.
If so, could the Mavericks alert the league about potential tampering? It’s possible.
