The New York Knicks have encountered stiff resistance in their pursuit of a new head coach, with several NBA teams reportedly responding to interview requests with hostility—including profanity-laced refusals and abrupt hang-ups.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania on The Rich Eisen Show, the Knicks contacted five teams seeking permission to speak with their current head coaches. In multiple cases, the responses were not just negative but emphatically so.
“Some would say no—and then hang up,” Charania said, via HoopsHype. “In other situations, there was profanity involved… literal ‘F— no’ responses.”
The Knicks, who parted ways with Tom Thibodeau following a 51–31 season and a third-place finish in the East, are aiming for a coaching change that can push them toward title contention. However, their approach—directly contacting teams to inquire about sitting head coaches—has drawn rare pushback across the league.
Charania noted that team owners themselves were involved in denying the Knicks’ inquiries, with some reportedly calling directly to block any conversation. One owner was quoted telling New York: “You’re not talking to our guy.”
Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Minnesota, and Houston were among the organizations that turned the Knicks down.
The Hawks were described as “firm” in their rejection regarding Quin Snyder, while Dallas flatly denied New York’s attempt to speak with Jason Kidd. According to Charania, the Mavericks’ refusal was immediate and uncompromising.
The Timberwolves and Rockets also refused to engage, signaling strong support for Chris Finch and Ime Udoka, respectively. All five coaches are under contract, and most helm teams with playoff or title aspirations heading into 2025.
Despite the string of rejections, Charania suggested that the Knicks were using the process as an educational exercise—gauging which coaches might become available in the future, especially those entering contract years.
But around the league, the Knicks’ approach has been described as “unorthodox.” Charania emphasized that while informal conversations happen behind closed doors in the NBA, New York’s direct and open attempts at contacting teams with established coaches have drawn scrutiny.
