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New York Knicks Hit Roadblock in Coach Search, Miss Out on Udoka and Finch After Teams Deny Permission to Hold Talks

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 11, 2025

2 min read

Knicks denied permission to interview as coaching market turns cold

Image Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are desperately in the lookout for a new head coach after the seat was vacated last week. Knicks’ management in a shocking set of sequences fired Tom Thibodeau for reasons that are yet to come out.

New York Knicks have now short listed two top head coaches for the coaching role. They recently contacted the ouston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for permission to interview Ime Udoka and Chris Finch respectively.

NBA Insider Shams Charania broke the development suggesting, “The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch for their open head coaching job, but were denied on both counts.”

The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN. Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025

The Knicks made another bold attempt by reaching out to two of the league’s top head coaches. There was no way the Rockets would part with Ime Udoka after he led them to the playoffs, ending a four-year postseason drought. The same logic applies to the Timberwolves.

Chris Finch took the Timberwolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance. Both franchises are happy with their respective head coaches and see them as part of their long term strategy for the roster.

Coaching Options Narrow for Desperate Knicks

The Knicks are now reportedly eyeing to move for Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. However, they’ll again have to go through the management first. In all likelihood, Dallas Mavericks will deny the permission for interview. Despite, a poor season, Mavericks see Jason Kidd as an important piece.

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It’s clear the New York Knicks want a coach with proven experience over a rookie appointment. But the coaching market remains tight and unyielding for the Knicks’ preferred profile. It will be hard for James Dolan to ship a head coach with high-end experience and history of winning trophies.

The sacking of Tom Thibodeau not only surprised fans but also the New York Knicks’ players. It was the 67-year-old who brought the franchise back into the winning ways. With limited top-tier options available, the Knicks may have acted too quickly in firing Thibodeau.

Chris Finch

Houston Rockets

Ime Udoka

Minneosta Timberwolves

New York Knicks

Shams Charania

Tom Thibodeau

Akash Vaishnav

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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.