The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly in danger of losing Head Coach Jason Kidd despite denying an interview request from the New York Knicks.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Knicks are currently the only team in the NBA searching for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau.
Rather than reaching out to the various job-seeking candidates, which is the most common practice for sports teams when looking for a new head coach, the Knicks have chosen to pursue coaches who already have jobs.
The Mavericks previously denied the Knicks’ request to interview Kidd, though new reporting indicates that New York’s pursuit of the head coach may not be over.
NBA Insider Ian Begley reported multiple pieces of information regarding the league offseason on Monday morning, including an interesting aspect of the Knicks’ search for a new head coach.
“The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd, per people familiar with the dynamic in Dallas,” wrote Begley.
This flirtation between Kidd and the Knicks has already been reflected by the current betting odds for the team’s next head coach, with Kidd standing out as the clear favorite at -180, according to the New York Post.
Following Kidd in the betting odds is Knicks assistant coach Johnny Bryant at +180 and Michael Malone at +850, meaning Kidd is currently viewed as the clear frontrunner for the position.
In addition to the potential loss of Kidd, the Mavericks could also be in danger of losing assistant coach Jared Dudley.
According to NBA Insider Michael Scotto, Dudley is a candidate for an assistant coaching role with the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
While any potential title that Dudley receives with any of these is likely to be similar to his current role with the Mavericks, the transition would be made in hopes of additional responsibilities on the staff.
Regardless, the Mavericks must quickly determine whether this coaching staff will be with the franchise long-term.