Jason Kidd is expected to return to the Dallas Mavericks to become the franchise’s next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon. Nike’s Nico Harrison is also expected to join the Mavericks in a front office position alongside Michael Finley.
Jason Kidd has started work on assembling a coaching staff as sides finalize a deal that’ll make him Dallas’ next head coach, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Llkm6UAvwM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2021
Kidd, who was part of the Mavericks’ 2011 championship squad, was initially reported to be at the top of Damian Lillard’s wishlist to take over the Portland Trail Blazers’ coaching position, shortly after it was vacated by Terry Stotts. He later removed himself from consideration for the Blazers’ job.
Kidd replaces Rick Carlisle who parted ways with Dallas before taking the vacant Indiana Pacers coaching job earlier this week.
Kidd served this season as Assistant Head Coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, who, like Portland, were eliminated from the playoffs yesterday. He previously coached for a single season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013-14 before serving four years in the lead position with the Milwaukee Bucks. He holds a 183-190 cumulative record, 9-15 in the post-season.
The former point guard spent eights years — including two separate stints — playing for the Mavericks, also spending time with the Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks over a 19-year career.
Kidd also has a history of controversy behind the scenes with multiple organizations and legal issues, including domestic violence and driving while intoxicated.
