The Dallas Mavericks have extended head coach Jason Kidd's contract for multiple years, despite rumors of the Los Angeles Lakers trying to recruit him.
Kidd has guided the Mavs to winning playoff series in two of his three seasons, and now the team is heading to the Western Conference Semifinals starting Tuesday. In 2022, he took the team to the finals where they lost to the Golden State Warriors, who went on to win the championship.
“We are thrilled to have coach Kidd continue leading our team with this well-deserved contract extension,” Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont said in a statement released by the team, according to Fox Sports. “Kidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise.” statement The Dallas Mavericks announced head coach Jason Kidd's multiyear contract extension. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont expressed excitement for the extension, stating, “Kidd has led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise.”
The Associated Press reported that details of the contract extension have not been disclosed. reports Details of the contract extension have not been made public, as per The Asssociated Press.
Kidd started his coaching career with the Brooklyn Nets before moving to Milwaukee, where he led the Bucks to the playoffs in two of his four seasons. Despite this, Kidd was fired by Milwaukee midway through the 2018 season.
Kidd then became an assistant with the LA Lakers, contributing to their NBA Finals victory in 2020, according to The Associated Press. reporting by AP.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison said in a statement announcing the extension, “I have known Jason for a long time, and I cannot think of a better, more qualified candidate to lead this team going forward. As a former NBA Champion Hall of Fame player, Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role which cannot be duplicated. He has earned the trust and respect of our players and that of so many across the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build upon the culture and foundation of success he’s helped foster throughout his tenure as head coach.”
In a statement announcing the extension, Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison expressed his confidence in Jason Kidd, stating, “As a former NBA Champion Hall of Fame player, Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role which cannot be duplicated. He has earned the trust and respect of our players and that of so many across the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build upon the culture and foundation of success he’s helped foster throughout his tenure as head coach.”
Kidd has a 140-106 regular season record in Dallas and a 323-296 record in his coaching career.
While the rumor that the Lakers may have been interested in hiring Kidd might have motivated the Mavs to seal the deal, it had already been in the works. LA fired head coach Darvin Ham on Friday after two seasons and two first-round exits. They are believed to be pursuing Celtics coach Charles Lee, whom they interviewed two seasons before hiring Ham.
