DALLAS — In a recent discussion before the matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that the organization turned down a request from the Knicks to interview him last summer regarding their head coaching vacancy. Despite this interest, Kidd, a Hall of Famer, emphasized that he never seriously contemplated leaving Dallas.
“I was never thinking about leaving Dallas,” Kidd stated. “I love working for Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont. Understanding that we have a lot of work to be done here, I’m all in to be able to do that. I was drafted here, I have won here, I love the city, and I love the fans. It never crossed my mind to leave Dallas.”
However, Kidd acknowledged the appreciation of being sought after, saying, “But I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted. That was a nice touch.”
Reports from The Athletic highlighted a mutual interest between Kidd and the Knicks, but with two years remaining on his contract at the time, the Mavericks were not willing to let him go. In October, Kidd was awarded a multi-year contract extension, reinforcing his commitment to the team.
Now in his fifth season as head coach, Kidd led the Mavericks to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024, showcasing his leadership skills, particularly with the help of superstar guard Luka Dončić, who was traded in February. The Mavericks also saw a significant change in their front office recently, with the firing of general manager Nico Harrison, the architect behind the Dončić trade. Despite the departure of Harrison, Kidd remains a pivotal figure within the organization.
Co-interim general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, along with minority owner Mark Cuban, are relying on Kidd as they seek a permanent lead basketball executive. Reflecting on his past, Kidd shared memories from his playing days, including his time with the Knicks in the 2012-13 season, which saw the team winning 54 games.
“The Mecca” of basketball, as Kidd described New York, holds a special place in his heart, but his focus remains unshakably on the Mavericks and their future success. Meanwhile, the Knicks, who began the season 8-5, are still searching for their first road victory under head coach Mike Brown.