The New York Knicks are struggling to find a new head coach as they were denied permissions to hold interviews with Jason Kidd from Dallas Mavericks, Ime Udoka from Houston Rockets and Chris Finch from Minnesota Timberwolves.

Their contracts prevented the Knicks from making inquiries, according to sources mentioned, who requested anonymity due to confidential details surrounding the interview process.

The Knicks recently parted ways with Tom Thibodeau on June 3 after achieving their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in over two decades. Thibodeau led the team to four playoff appearances and ensured 50 wins in the last two seasons.

Currently, they are exploring the possibility of adding notable coaches with ongoing contracts to their candidate list in addition to those already available.

Confirming the request, the Mavericks stated on Thursday that it was declined. ESPN first reported on these developments.

Leon Rose, the president of the Knicks, had previously interviewed both Kidd and Udoka in 2020 before hiring Thibodeau. Notably, Kidd concluded his Hall of Fame career with the Knicks, a team he last played for in 2013—their last playoff run before Thibodeau’s tenure.

Kidd previously guided the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, while Finch led the Timberwolves to consecutive Western Conference Finals. Udoka bolstered a young Rockets team to a remarkable No. 2 seed this season, implying their respective teams are not seeking coaching changes at this time.

Thibodeau expressed gratitude towards the organization, players, coaches, and fans in a New York Times ad, saying his experience with the Knicks is ‘something I will never forget.’