Jason Kidd Reveals Truth About Knicks HC Rumors Before Signing New Mavs Contract

The New York Knicks' pursuit of Jason Kidd was a common rumor throughout the summer, but the Dallas Mavericks head coach said he never entertained the idea.

"I was never thinking about leaving Dallas," he told reporters Wednesday. "I love working for [team governor Patrick Dumont]. Understanding that we have a lot of work here to be done. I'm all in to be able to do that. I was drafted here. I have won here. I love the city. I love the fans. It never crossed my mind to leave Dallas."

Not that Kidd minded the interest.

"I think it's safe to say we all enjoy being wanted," he said. "That was a nice touch."

The Mavericks denied the Knicks the right to interview Kidd and ultimately signed him to a contract extension.

The 52-year-old is in his fifth season leading the Mavericks after previous stints for the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. He's led the Mavs the team to a 183-160 record and two playoff appearances, including an NBA Finals berth in 2023-24 season.

That team featured Luka Dončić, however, who was shockingly and controversially traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last season by former general manager Nico Harrison. The relationship between the organization and fans became so fractured in the aftermath of that decision that Harrison was fired earlier this season.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are just 4-11, with injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving leaving them shorthanded. Kidd has also experimented with rookie forward Cooper Flagg operating as the de facto point guard, to mixed results.

As for the Knicks, the team ultimately hired Mike Brown and have started 8-5 this season.