Dallas Mavericks End Jason Kidd’s Coaching Spell

By Eppe Franklyne

The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed that head coach Jason Kidd will leave the NBA franchise after both sides agreed to part ways. The club announced the decision on Tuesday and revealed plans to begin an immediate search for a new manager.

Kidd spent five seasons leading the Mavericks and guided the team to the Western Conference finals in 2022 before reaching the NBA Finals in 2024. However, a disappointing 26-56 campaign this season brought his time in charge to an end.

The difficult year followed the shock decision to trade Slovenian star Luka Dončić to Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. The move proved deeply unpopular among Dallas Mavericks supporters and sparked major criticism across the NBA.

Kidd later admitted he was “not part of the process” that sent Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a future first-round draft pick. Former general manager Nico Harrison, who organised the trade, was dismissed in November.

Injuries also damaged the team’s season. Davis suffered an adductor strain in his first appearance for Dallas, while star guard Kyrie Irving later tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Both players struggled to spend meaningful time together on the court before Davis was eventually traded to Washington in February.

Despite the setbacks, the Dallas Mavericks saw promise in 19-year-old Cooper Flagg after his impressive Rookie of the Year season.

Can the Mavericks rebuild quickly enough to return to NBA title contention?