Jason Kidd confirmed Wednesday that the Dallas Mavericks denied the New York Knicks’ request to interview him for their head coaching vacancy last summer, though the 52-year-old Hall of Famer said he never seriously considered leaving Texas. The Mavericks had no intention of letting Kidd go and awarded him a multi-year extension in October.
Mutual interest existed between Kidd and the Knicks last offseason after the Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau. Kidd had two years remaining on his contract with Dallas when New York expressed interest.
“I was never thinking about leaving Dallas,” Kidd said before Wednesday’s game between the teams. “I love working for (Mavericks governor) Patrick (Dumont). Understanding that we have a lot of work here to be done. I’m all in to be able to do that.”
Kidd added that he appreciated the recognition from New York.
“But I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted. That was a nice touch,” Kidd said.
This is Kidd’s fifth season as Mavericks head coach after leading Dallas to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and NBA Finals in 2024. Both teams featured Luka Doncic, whom the Mavericks traded in February.
Dallas fired general manager Nico Harrison last week after he orchestrated the Doncic trade for Anthony Davis. Kidd earned two contract extensions under Harrison, one during the 2024 playoffs and another in October.
Kidd now serves as an influential voice alongside co-interim GMs Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, plus minority owner Mark Cuban. Governor Patrick Dumont relies on this group while searching for a permanent basketball executive.
The Knicks hired Mike Brown as head coach and are 8-5 this season but searching for their first road win.