Jason Kidd's Future With Mavs, Potential Front Office Move Discussed in New NBA Rumors

NBA insider Marc Stein does not feel the Dallas Mavericks are planning to move on from head coach Jason Kidd amid their search for a new general manager.

Stein wrote Wednesday that "league sources say the Mavericks want Jason Kidd to continue to serve as prized rookie Cooper Flagg's coach and have to this point prioritized hiring a general manager who can partner with Kidd."

Those sources have "repeatedly downplayed" rumors that Kidd could be looking to transition into a front office role going forward, according to Stein.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported last November that there had "been some league chatter" about Kidd moving into the Mavs' front office.

Stein wrote Wednesday that multiple "top aides to lead decision-makers with other franchises" have expressed interest in the Mavericks' GM vacancy, but added the Mavs are expected to wait until after the regular season to search "in earnest."

Stein previously reported that the Mavs have not hired any external firm to lead the search to replace Nico Harrison, who was fired in November less than a year after trading franchise star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the return from the Lakers, has since been dealt to the Washington Wizards.

That meant the Mavericks ultimately received two unprotected first-rounders, a protected first-rounder, three second-rounder picks and five players, including Max Christie and Khris Middleton, in exchange for Dončić.

None of those assets are as important to the future of the Mavs as Cooper Flagg, whom the Mavericks selected after winning the 2025 draft lottery despite 1.8 percent odds at the No. 1 pick.

Kidd showed his confidence in Flagg early by starting the rookie, then 18 years old, at point guard for the first seven games of the season.

Flagg ultimately didn't stick in that role long-term, although he later said he was "reaping the benefits" of having taking on the immediate responsibility as his team's lead ball-handler.

Through 64 games of his first NBA season, Flagg is averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 assists.

Flagg's ability to take another step forward during his second NBA campaign will be key to his franchise's playoff hopes. The reported plan to run things back with Kidd for a sixth season could be seen as a vote of confidence from the Mavericks that their current head coach is the best person to guide that development.