Are the Knicks trying to poach Jason Kidd from the Mavericks? Well, rumors suggest the team plans to formally interview him for their vacant HC position after Tom Thibodeau was fired on Tuesday. At least, that’s what reporter Marc Stein mentioned in his report. “That interest has since been described by league sources as serious,” he wrote. But what makes Kidd’s potential shift difficult is the fact that the 52-year-old still has two years left on the contract extension he signed after their 2024 Finals run. At the same time, Dallas’ GM Nico Harrison and owner Patrick Dumont have yet to decide if they’ll let him speak with the Knicks.

So far, reports suggest that Kidd has been pondering over his next step: Whether to entertain the opportunity or not. Perhaps a potential trade between the teams could pave the way for his hiring in the Knicks’ office. However, new reports have suggested something dire! The Knicks and Jason Kidd have been accused of giving out confidential trade information to veteran insider Marc Stein, because how else was he supposed to know what the Knicks were planning ahead? Stein had written in his report, “A precise hierarchy of potential Knicks targets to replace Thibodeau has yet to emerge, but some in league coaching circles believe that Kidd—who gave Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson his first role of prominence in the NBA during their one season together in Dallas in 2021-22—is at the top of New York’s wish list.”

So Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reacted to this and wrote on X: “As of late yesterday, was told Knicks hadn’t asked permission, formally or informally, to interview Jason Kidd. If it’s NY that leaked to @TheSteinLine it intends to ask “in the coming days,” it’s an odd way to do business, sending a test balloon to see if it gets shot down.” That’s strange, but so far, Kidd stands as a compelling option after firing Thibodeau.

The New York Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau after their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Pacers. He ranked fourth in all-time franchise wins and was easily their most successful coach in recent times. Thibs delivered back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the mid-1990s. He also upset the defending champion Celtics in the second round. Yet, his reliance on a worn-out starting five backfired. The lineup struggled late in the season and got outscored through the playoffs.

He was .516 (a 179-149 record) as an HC with the Nets (2013-14), Bucks (2014-18), and Mavericks. On the other hand, Thibodeau recorded a .565 (226-174 record) in five seasons with the Knicks. And that also includes his 51-31 finish this season. But it doesn’t end here. Interestingly enough, the Knicks and Mavs have another connection in this story.

And that is Jalen Brunson. Amidst all the rumors, the superstar guard shared his true feelings about both Kidd and Thibs.

Jason Kidd & Tom Thibodeau get an emotional verdict from Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson wasn’t always the Knicks’ crown jewel. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018, he spent four steady years with Dallas, flashing signs of greatness. But everything changed in 2022. He left Jason Kidd’s umbrella unexpectedly and joined New York in free agency, never looking back. It was because Dallas’ owner, Mark Cuban, wanted more, and JB wasn’t in his mind. Moving on, from 16.3 points in 2021 to 24 in his first Knicks season, Brunson made his leap count.

However, it was Tom Thibodeau who turned Brunson into an All-Star. Maybe JB needed the push that Thibs gave him. But his admiration for Kidd hasn’t reduced even a bit. Therefore, when asked for his favorite coaches, the Knicks guard said back in March: “I’m going to say Thibs, number one. Thibs helped me become an All-Star. I’m going to say J-Kidd two. J-Kidd gave me the confidence to be better and perform better.”

Sometimes, the NBA feels like a beautifully chaotic love triangle—full of passion, tension, and surprise reunions. As the Knicks eye Jason Kidd and Jalen Brunson, balance loyalty between two mentors, fate quietly pulls the strings. Whether it’s business, revenge, or destiny at play, one thing is certain: this story is far from over. In fact, the drama’s just begun!

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