(05-19-2026, 06:41 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: Wow surprising. I thought with the contract and the Flagg approval, that he would have been here for another year or two. But I think the writing was on the wall. Kidd probably wanted a change too. After having one, if not largest, voice in the room, that voice is now greatly diminished. I could see himself wanting to go somewhere else.
I thought Kidd did well here. Not sure if he is the coach as this team improves, but he is a solid coach. Players love him. I just could never get over the role he played in the Luka trade. He may not have been there when the trade was made, but there is no doubt he muddied the waters leading up to the trade.
I suspect Dallas looks for a younger coach. Schmitz has been around a lot of coaches and probably likes some of the younger ones who have been grinders. My favorite choice would be an expensve one and one really hard to get. Dan Hurley. He could make everyone crazy, but he is the best coach in basketball. Their offense is awesome. He is great developing players. If he ever had the itch, coaching Cooper at 19 would be appealing. it would be very expensive. My guess is they look for a younger, first time head coach though.
Jason is a master though. The way he was able to escape almost all of the blame of the Luka trade takes great skill. He was also masterful how he handled the relationship with Flagg and family. I would think they are not thrilled with this.
Kidd was always great at the political game. Probably a main reason why it was best for both parties to look for a new landing spot. I could see Kidd not being fully on board with the new GM and using his power to push back some.
I definitely think this increases a Kyrie trade. I would still bet that it doesn't happen this summer. Although, probably a good chance by trade deadline or next offseason that he is on a new team.