Knicks head coaching rumors tracker: Latest news on Jason Kidd, Michael Malone and more potential New York candidates
The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach has intensified, with the organization reportedly targeting some of the biggest names in the Western Conference. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks front office, led by Leon Rose, appears to be swinging for the fences, identifying Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as primary candidates to take the reins at Madison Square Garden.
The buzz surrounding Jason Kidd has become the focal point of the latest news cycle. Reports indicate a potential "mutual interest" between Kidd and the Knicks, a franchise he played for during the 2012-13 season. Kidd, who has successfully guided the Mavericks in recent years, reportedly views the New York vacancy as an intriguing opportunity. However, the logistics of such a move are complicated. Kidd is currently under contract with Dallas, and sources suggest the Mavericks have not granted New York permission to interview him. There is growing speculation that Kidd’s camp could be leveraging the Knicks’ interest to secure a contract extension in Dallas, a tactic often seen in high-stakes coaching carousels.
On the other side of the rumor mill is Michael Malone, a name that has long been linked to the Knicks due to his deep ties to the organization and the city. The son of former Knicks assistant Brendan Malone and a Queens native, Malone represents the "dream hire" for a segment of the fanbase craving a championship pedigree. Despite the allure, prying Malone away from Denver—where he delivered a title in 2023—remains a significant hurdle. League insiders note that while Malone fits the cultural mold New York is seeking, the Nuggets are unlikely to facilitate a departure for their championship coach without significant compensation.
As the Knicks continue their due diligence, the list of potential candidates remains fluid. While high-profile targets like Kidd and Malone dominate the headlines, the organization is also reportedly vetting other experienced options to ensure they find the right voice to lead a roster built to win now. For now, the situation remains a standoff, with New York waiting to see if either Western Conference power will blink.
The buzz surrounding Jason Kidd has become the focal point of the latest news cycle. Reports indicate a potential "mutual interest" between Kidd and the Knicks, a franchise he played for during the 2012-13 season. Kidd, who has successfully guided the Mavericks in recent years, reportedly views the New York vacancy as an intriguing opportunity. However, the logistics of such a move are complicated. Kidd is currently under contract with Dallas, and sources suggest the Mavericks have not granted New York permission to interview him. There is growing speculation that Kidd’s camp could be leveraging the Knicks’ interest to secure a contract extension in Dallas, a tactic often seen in high-stakes coaching carousels.
On the other side of the rumor mill is Michael Malone, a name that has long been linked to the Knicks due to his deep ties to the organization and the city. The son of former Knicks assistant Brendan Malone and a Queens native, Malone represents the "dream hire" for a segment of the fanbase craving a championship pedigree. Despite the allure, prying Malone away from Denver—where he delivered a title in 2023—remains a significant hurdle. League insiders note that while Malone fits the cultural mold New York is seeking, the Nuggets are unlikely to facilitate a departure for their championship coach without significant compensation.
As the Knicks continue their due diligence, the list of potential candidates remains fluid. While high-profile targets like Kidd and Malone dominate the headlines, the organization is also reportedly vetting other experienced options to ensure they find the right voice to lead a roster built to win now. For now, the situation remains a standoff, with New York waiting to see if either Western Conference power will blink.
