NBA – 4 months after Luka Doncic, a major new departure in sight for the Mavericks?

Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif

Dallas’ future has been particularly uncertain since the franchise parted ways with Luka Doncic last February. And the superstar might not be the only key player on the team leaving, according to recent rumors.

It’s been difficult to take a position on the Mavericks these days. By trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers last February, the latter completely changed their tactics for the coming years. The roster is certainly not lacking, with players like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and perhaps soon Cooper Flagg, but uncertainties remain numerous as the 2025 offseason looms on the horizon.

With Uncle Drew stuck on the sidelines for several months, the Texans must quickly find a replacement. Not only to feed the Davis-Flagg frontcourt with balls, but also to act as coach Jason Kidd’s backup on the field. That is, assuming he stays in his position, of course…

Jason Kidd about to leave the Mavericks for the Knicks?

Indeed, the Hall of Famer has been surrounded by rumors for some time. Annoyed by the handling of the Doncic case a few months ago, Kidd is reportedly linked to his former franchise, the Knicks, who just fired Tom Thibodeau. The latter are reportedly ready to negotiate with Dallas to acquire him, while he is still under contract with the franchise. Insider Brian Windhorst spoke about this to ESPN:

The other way I would describe it is that there is mutual intrigue on both sides. Also, I know there’s this whole thing about asking for permission. You don’t ask for permission to hire another team’s coach; when you ask, you’re going to hire them. So essentially, when the Knicks express interest, the ball will be in the Mavericks’ court, and they have three options as I see it.

One, they can just say, “No, thank you very much. Jason will see you in the fall, look forward to the season, look forward to Cooper Flagg.” They can try to make Jason Kidd have zero interest in the Knicks, possibly with a new contract; they did just give him an extension last year.

Or, they can negotiate a trade, and we have seen a handful of trades of coaches over the last 15-18 years, including Jason Kidd. He was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Milwaukee Bucks for two second-round picks 11 years ago. So it’s not like Jason Kidd has not been in this situation before.