The New York Knicks faced additional setbacks in their head coaching search on Wednesday, as they added more names to the list of coaches they cannot interview this offseason.
So far, the Knicks have sought permission to speak with several high-profile coaches:
– Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
– Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
– Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
– Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves
– Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks requested to interview Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks for their coaching vacancy, but this request was “firmly denied” by the franchise. Hawks star guard Trae Young provided a brief response to this development.
Reports from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network and ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein indicate that the Chicago Bulls also turned down the Knicks’ request to interview Billy Donovan.
The Knicks are apparently searching for an experienced coach to take over for Tom Thibodeau, but their pursuit has proven challenging thus far. In addition to the denial regarding Snyder, New York has also been blocked from interviewing Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets and Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as noted by SNY’s Ian Begley. Furthermore, the Knicks sought permission to interview Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, only to face another refusal.
Despite these rejections, the coaches in question are not completely eliminated from consideration. There is potential for them to attempt to negotiate their way out of their current roles, although such a strategy carries risks, especially if the New York position is not secured.
Kidd is reportedly favored within the Knicks organization, but his willingness to leave Dallas remains uncertain. Should he express interest in the position, it might be with hopes of securing a contract extension with the Mavericks. The Athletic’s Christian Clark and Sam Amick highlight that there is a “widely held belief” that Kidd aims to leverage the Knicks’ interest for a more lucrative deal. Since joining Dallas in 2021, Kidd has two years remaining on his current contract.
Given the difficulty in attracting Kidd, Udoka, Finch, or other current head coaches, the Knicks may need to consider hiring a coach currently out of a role or an assistant. Among established coaches, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone could be a viable option. Malone, who won an NBA championship two years ago, was let go at the conclusion of the recent season and previously served as an assistant with the Knicks from 2001 to 2005.