The Knicks are reportedly chasing Jason Kidd to reunite with Jalen Branson after firing head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Tom Thibodeau’s days in New York came in a stunning vicinity shortly after the Knicks bowed from the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite his deepest postseason run for over 20 years, Thibodeau was shown the door, and with that, the Knicks coaching carousel began to spin once more. Now their eyes are placed on faces familiar to one of their brightest stars.
Jalen Brunson blossomed into the cornerstone of the franchise under Thibodeau, but his rise began under Jason Kidd in Dallas. The history, which has been accumulated with trust and growth, makes Kid a natural target. According to the report, the Knicks will officially ask the Mavericks for permission to interview Kid. The interest called “serious” shows the franchise trying to combine stars and coaches who initially believed in him.
The decision to say goodbye to Thibodeau has shocked many people around the league, but the potential pivot for the Kid is rooted in its connection, chemistry, and hope that past successes can be rekindled at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson-Kidd Bonds
During the 2021-22 season, Jalen Branson resigned from the shadows of Dallas. Jason Kidd was the one who handed him the keys. Branson, who started 61 games that year, averaged over 16 points and assisted nearly five times, making him a steady presence and a rising star. Kidd’s belief in him was not merely strategic, but personal.
The New York Knicks are expected to request permission to interview Jason Kidd @thesteinline
“The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission to speak to Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd about coaching vacancy over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/abs439p0rj
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) June 6, 2025
That trust had a weight. When Branson signed a $104 million deal with the Knicks in 2022, he publicly praised Kid for his growth. Since then, Branson has become one of the league’s most reliable security guards, but the roots of that leaps remain tied to his time under the Kid.
Now, the Knicks may be trying to rekindle that synergy. Reunions can be not only symbolic, but also strategic. Kidd knew Branson’s strengths, understood his leadership style and helped him lay the foundations for today’s players. For teams with championship aspirations, the integrity of their coach and star can be a turning point.
Will Dallas let him go?
As clear as the Knicks’ interest in the Kid appears, the power lies in the Dallas Mavericks. Kidd signed an extension in May 2024, and the team has just finished the disappointing 39-43 seasons, but Dallas has reason to be optimistic. The Mavericks are expected to select the Duke Phenom Cooper Flag, a player who can secure the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and redefine the next era.
Still, Luka Doncic’s departure through midseason trade left Dallas on the flux. Kidd, who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals a year ago, is respected within the organization. His .516 career win rate and ability to adapt to various rosters speak to his coaches with longevity and calmness.
The Mavericks were able to completely deny New York’s demands. According to reports, that’s exactly what the Rockets did when the Knicks asked about Imedoka. If Dallas follows, the Knicks will have to pivot. But if they allow Kid to talk to New York, they might risk watching him walk towards the franchise.
A complete circle in the garden?
Jason Kidd wore a Knicks jersey one time ago during his playing day Twilight in 2012. Now, over a decade later, he may have the opportunity to lead the franchise from the bench. It is a layered meaning of homecoming, linking the past to the present.
One thing is clear…
Chris Finch
Jason Kidd
OptimisticThe Knicks want an experienced coach.
– Knicksnation (@knicksnation) June 6, 2025
The idea of pacing Madison Square Garden bystanders is fascinating as Jalen Brunson is rooted in the team’s hearts and the fanbase is hunger for stability and success. He’s not just the name of the candidate list. He is a name that qualifies to legacy, connections and back it up.
The next chapter of New York basketball is currently being written. Somewhere in Dallas, its future author may be holding the pen.