Knicks Next Head Coach Odds: New Favorite Emerges as Mavericks Expected to Block Jason Kidd Interview

The New York Knicks’ coaching search has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the NBA offseason. After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are seeking a new voice to lead a roster fresh off an Eastern Conference finals appearance — but one top target is already facing significant obstacles.

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

DraftKings Sportsbook has posted odds on who will be New York’s next head coach, with Johnnie Bryant listed as the current betting favorite at +150. Former NBA champion Michael Malone follows at +300, while Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd — reportedly a top target for the Knicks — is priced at +800, despite significant doubts about his availability. After Kidd was the previous favorite, there has been movement across the board amid developments that place Kidd as increasingly unlikely to be in a position to take the job.

Here’s the latest look at the odds board:

NEXT NEW YORK KNICKS HEAD COACH ODDS LEADERS (VIA DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK)

• Johnnie Bryant: +150

• Michael Malone: +300

• Jason Kidd: +800

• Taylor Jenkins: +1000

• James Borrego: +2000

• Mike Budenholzer: +2000

• Rick Brunson: +2000

• Steve Nash: +2000

• Frank Vogel: +2000

• John Calipari: +2000

• Mike Brown: +2500

• Dan Hurley: +3000

• Jeff Van Gundy: +3000

• Monty Williams: +3000

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MAVERICKS EXPECTED TO BLOCK ANY JASON KIDD INTERVIEW

The Mavericks are expected to deny the Knicks permission to interview Kidd, despite clear interest from New York’s front office. Kidd signed a contract extension last year and has two seasons remaining on his deal. Dallas recently hired Jay Triano as lead assistant, a move made with the expectation that Kidd would stay in place. The Knicks’ interest is well known, but the combination of Kidd’s contract status and recent organizational decisions strongly suggests Dallas will not cooperate with any approach from New York.

Additionally, Kidd is reportedly content in Dallas, with the opportunity to coach expected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. While some believe he could leverage the Knicks’ interest into another extension, there are no indications Kidd is looking to leave. Tensions between the Mavericks and Knicks, dating back to the tampering case involving Jalen Brunson, could further discourage Dallas from accommodating any such request.

JOHNNY BRYANT AND MIKE MALONE HEADLINE THE MARKET

Bryant’s status as the betting favorite is unsurprising given his deep ties to the Knicks. After four seasons as an associate head coach in New York, Bryant joined the Cleveland Cavaliers staff this past year and helped contribute to a 64-win season. Known for his player development skills and connection with athletes, Bryant was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns head coaching job and remains a highly regarded young coaching talent.

Malone, meanwhile, brings championship pedigree from his tenure with the Denver Nuggets. After leading Denver to the 2023 NBA title, Malone would offer the Knicks an experienced and respected voice. However, his defensive-first style bears similarities to Thibodeau’s approach, raising some questions about whether Malone would represent the kind of philosophical shift New York is seeking.

OTHER CANDIDATES WITH LONGER ODDS

Taylor Jenkins (+1000) is another experienced coach drawing attention, following his successful stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. Further down the board, veterans such as James Borrego, Mike Budenholzer, Rick Brunson, Steve Nash, Frank Vogel, and John Calipari all sit at +2000. Several college coaches and former NBA bench bosses, including Dan Hurley, Jeff Van Gundy, Monty Williams, and Adrian Griffin, round out the market at +3000.

The Knicks’ coaching search figures to be one of the most dynamic NBA markets this summer. If Dallas formally rejects an interview request for Kidd, as expected, bettors should watch for movement that could push Bryant and Malone into even stronger favorite positions.

With front office conversations ongoing and the Knicks intent on finding the right fit, this is a betting market to keep a close eye on. For now, Bryant leads the pack, while Kidd’s chances of landing the job appear increasingly remote.