Overview

• Six days after firing Tom Thibodeau following an Eastern Conference finals run, team president Leon Rose has identified Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as his leading candidate
• Kidd’s existing pact with Dallas requires New York to assemble a draft-asset compensation package before the Mavericks will grant an interview request
• The front office is also vetting other experienced coaches under contract, notably Houston’s Ime Udoka and Minnesota’s Chris Finch
• Kidd’s strong relationship with star guard Jalen Brunson, whom he coached in Dallas, bolsters his appeal in New York
• Separately, the organization is preparing a speculative, blockbuster trade proposal to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo as it seeks to accelerate its championship window