Knicks Face Multiple Rejections in NBA Coaching Search

The New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau despite his success in leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they currently have no clear plan for his replacement. The Knicks have attempted to pursue several sitting NBA head coaches including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets; however, all three teams have rebuffed the Knicks' requests to interview their coaches. Reports indicate that Dallas is firmly committed to keeping Kidd, who may use New York's interest as leverage for a contract extension, leaving the Knicks to pivot away from their top target. The rejection of these coaching candidates has left the Knicks scrambling, with speculation focusing on less likely options such as former coaches or assistants like Michael Malone or Johnnie Bryant. Critics argue that New York's strategy of chasing currently employed coaches without backup plans reflects poor management and risks prolonging the search. Thibodeau's firing and the ongoing coaching search have sparked debate about the team's future direction and whether the Knicks can find a coach capable of building on the progress he made.