In what could be one of the most unconventional NBA moves in years, the New York Knicks could explore a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for head coach Jason Kidd.
As first proposed by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the deal would send the Mavericks a 2026 Washington Wizards first-round pick (top-4 protected via the Knicks) and a 2026 first-round swap (also top-4 protected) in exchange for Kidd. Yes, an actual coach-for-picks trade.
The Dallas Mavericks Receive: 2026 Washington Wizards first-round pick (Top 4 protected, via NY), 2026 first-round pick swap (Top 4 protected)
The New York Knicks Receive: Jason Kidd
The proposal comes in the wake of the Knicks’ shocking decision to fire Tom Thibodeau despite a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. New York’s front office has been aggressive in its coaching search, reportedly targeting Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, and Ime Udoka as their top choices.
However, every inquiry so far has been met with a rejection. Even Bulls coach Billy Donovan and Hawks coach Quin Snyder turned them down. With options dwindling, the Knicks are now prepared to do something rarely seen: trade assets for a sitting head coach.
Jason Kidd’s current contract with Dallas complicates things, but history offers precedent. In 2013, the Clippers sent a first-round pick to Boston to acquire Doc Rivers.
A year later, the Bucks landed Kidd from Brooklyn for two second-rounders. In this case, Dallas could walk away with the equivalent of three second-round picks depending on how protections shake out, while also removing a potentially unwilling figure from their locker room.
There’s growing belief that Kidd may want out of Dallas anyway. The Mavericks are entering a new era following the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade and the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Kidd’s ties may have been stronger to former owner Mark Cuban, and the new front office may want a clean break.
From Dallas’ perspective, cutting ties now avoids any awkward power struggles and allows the franchise to pursue a coach better suited for development. Getting draft capital in return, even if modest, helps soften the blow.
For New York, the motive is clear: they want Kidd to help usher in a new era of championship contention. Kidd played his final NBA season with the Knicks in 2012–13, and his ties to Jalen Brunson, from their shared time in Dallas, only sweeten the fit. There’s also the looming possibility of a Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit.
Kidd was instrumental in Giannis’ development in Milwaukee, famously pushing the Greek Freak to play point forward during his early years. If there’s any scenario in which Kidd could help lure Giannis to New York, Leon Rose and the Knicks front office will pay the price.
While Kidd’s coaching record has been polarizing, there’s no denying his ability to manage stars and navigate playoff pressure. He led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and helped turn Brunson into a rising star before his leap in New York.
If the Knicks do pull off this bold move, they’ll be acquiring not just a coach, but potentially the key to unlocking their next big superstar swing. It’s rare, it’s risky—but in today’s NBA, nothing is off the table.
