Knicks Reportedly Denied Interview With Mavs' Jay Triano for Associate Coach Role

The New York Knicks were denied permission to interview Dallas Mavericks assistant Jay Triano for the team's opening at associate head coach, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Triano is "among several candidates" that the Knicks are considering for the role, per Bondy.

New York is on the hunt for a top assistant after hiring Mike Brown to be its new head coach on July 7.

Rick Brunson, the father of Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson, held the title of associate head coach during the 2024-25 season.

Bondy previously reported that Rick would remain on New York's coaching staff moving forward, but transition to a "lesser role."

The Knicks reportedly had interest in New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego to fill their lead assistant vacancy, but he's ultimately expected to return to the Pelicans.

Triano has ties to Brown, as he served on the Sacramento Kings' coaching staff under the head coach from 2022 until Brown was fired during the 2024-25 season.

Triano has been an assistant coach with five different teams throughout his career. He also has two separate head coaching stints with the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns under his belt.

It's understandable that the Mavericks don't seem willing to let Triano go, as they hired him to be their new assistant under head coach Jason Kidd in June.

The Knicks also requested permission to interview Kidd before Brown was hired, but Dallas turned them down.

As New York looks to build its staff under Brown and prepare for the 2025-26 season, the team won't have the opportunity to meet with Triano.