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“He Will Be the Coach”: Nico Harrison Addresses Jason Kidd’s Future Amid New York Knicks Rumors

Grant AfsethJune 26, 2025July 3, 2025no comment

Nico Harrison, Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

Rashad Miller/DallasHoopsJournal.com

As the Dallas Mavericks usher in a new era with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, questions about the team’s leadership off the court remain in the spotlight. Jason Kidd’s future as head coach has drawn increased attention recently, with the New York Knicks pursuing him and contract extension talks with Dallas still unresolved.

General manager Nico Harrison attempted to restate those concerns during Wednesday’s press conference following the draft.

“Yes, he will be the coach next season,” Harrison said definitively when asked about Kidd’s status.

The comments come as Kidd is reportedly intrigued by the Knicks’ coaching vacancy, even after Dallas denied New York permission to interview him. However, Kidd’s contract could be addressed before the upcoming season to clarify the situation further.

Cooper Flagg Begins Bond With Jason Kidd, Avoids Rumors

For his part, Flagg has already begun to build a rapport with Kidd — even if the coaching rumors haven’t been part of their early conversations.

“I haven’t had those conversations yet at all,” Flagg said Wednesday after being selected No. 1 overall. “But I think talking with Coach Kidd, my workout, and even after I got picked, I was on the phone with him for a minute, I think he’s just excited. He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game. So I’m excited to just talk to him more.”

The Mavericks view Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke, as a franchise cornerstone. In his lone college season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game across 37 starts. He led Duke to a Final Four appearance. He swept National Player of the Year honors from every major outlet, becoming the second freshman in school history to do so (after Zion Williamson).

Harrison said that pairing Flagg with Kidd — who coached Dallas during the 2024 NBA Finals run — was a foundational part of the franchise’s vision.

“He has the ability to play on both sides of the ball, guard multiple positions, and he makes winning plays,” Harrison said. “Cooper fits what we’re doing — and Coach Kidd sees it. We want to grow him the right way.”

Staff Shake-Up Continues After Sean Sweeney’s Exit

Still, Kidd’s return isn’t the only coaching matter Dallas faces.

Lead assistant Sean Sweeney, one of the most respected voices on the bench and a key figure in the team’s development system, left to join the San Antonio Spurs as associate head coach under Mitch Johnson. Sweeney had not been offered a contract extension after the Finals, despite advancing to the second round of interviews with the Phoenix Suns and being a finalist for the Detroit Pistons job last summer.

Several league figures and internal sources who spoke with DallasHoopsJournal.com viewed Dallas’ failure to extend Sweeney and other assistants after the Finals as a costly misstep. One called it a “self-inflicted wound” for a team trying to sustain continuity and success.

Dallas has already named Jay Triano as a lead assistant to replace Alex Jensen, who left to coach the University of Utah. Triano brings extensive experience, including head coaching stints with the Raptors and Suns and international leadership with Team Canada.

Jared Dudley, God Shammgod, and Development Staff in Limbo

Beyond Triano, assistant coach Jared Dudley is drawing interest from both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies for elevated bench roles, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Dudley is viewed internally as a key figure due to his strong ties with Kidd, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving. All signs indicate he prefers to remain in Dallas, but a promotion could come from elsewhere faster than from the Mavericks, barring a change.

Player development coach God Shammgod, a favorite of Irving and a staple of the organization since 2016, is also without an extension. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that teams, including the Orlando Magic, are monitoring him. While no moves have been finalized, the Mavericks have also explored adding Mike Penberthy, who worked with Kidd in Los Angeles and has experience with the New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets.

Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that assistant coach Josh Broghamer will replace Dudley as head coach of the Mavericks’ Summer League team in Las Vegas. Broghamer has worked closely with Kidd for several years and previously held scouting and development positions with the Cavaliers and Bucks.

Despite the swirling changes, the Mavericks remain committed to building around Flagg, and at least for now, Kidd appears central to that plan.

“My mindset has always been to be a winner,” Flagg said. “So I’m going to try to win as hard as I can everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games, for sure.”

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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