The Dallas Mavericks are expected to give head coach Jason Kidd a contract extension before the season starts, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Kidd was heavily pursued by the New York Knicks after their head coaching position opened up when the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau. Despite a valiant effort, Kidd is expected to continue manning the sidelines in Dallas.
The Mavericks initially denied the Knicks permission to interview Kidd, but the Knicks stayed persistent and considered Kidd a candidate despite numerous indications that he was not available.
Kidd was also granted a contract extension last May after he emerged as a potential candidate to land the Los Angeles Lakers’ job, which ultimately went to J.J. Redick.
The extension now makes Kidd the third head coach to be given a contract extension after being approached by the Knicks, joining Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets.
Kidd will now likely have the opportunity to coach No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, and guide him in the right direction as the team guns for the championship while trying to handle two separate timelines.
