Dallas maverick Basketball Head coach Jason Kidd has officially Announced his Departure from the team following NBA proposal as the Head coach of K….
Jason Kidd Officially Announces Departure from Dallas Mavericks Following NBA Proposal as Head Coach of Kansas City Expansion Team
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has officially announced his departure from the team after four seasons, revealing that he has accepted a groundbreaking offer from the NBA to become the head coach of the league’s new expansion franchise based in Kansas City.
The announcement was made during an emotional press conference at American Airlines Center, where Kidd, a Hall of Famer and one of the league’s most respected basketball minds, confirmed months of behind-the-scenes speculation.
“Today is bittersweet,” Kidd began, holding back emotion. “I’m stepping down as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, a place that means so much to me. But I’m also stepping into history — I’ve accepted the NBA’s offer to lead the Kansas City Kings as their first head coach.”
The Kansas City Kings — a nod to the city’s historic ties to the original Kings franchise before their relocation to Sacramento — are set to debut in the 2025–2026 NBA season as part of the league’s highly anticipated expansion plan, which includes teams in both Kansas City and Seattle.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Kidd’s appointment in a parallel press release, praising him for his leadership and experience.
“Jason Kidd brings a legacy of excellence to our newest franchise,” Silver stated. “As both a former player and a coach, he has consistently demonstrated vision, discipline, and a commitment to player development. He is the ideal leader to lay the foundation in Kansas City.”
Kidd’s departure from Dallas marks the end of an era. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, he guided the Mavericks to multiple playoff appearances and helped develop star guard Luka Dončić into one of the league’s most dominant forces. Under Kidd’s leadership, the team reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and remained a perennial contender in the Western Conference.
“This decision wasn’t easy,” Kidd admitted. “I have so much love and respect for Mark Cuban, Nico Harrison, Luka, and the entire Mavericks organization. But opportunities like this don’t come often — the chance to build a team from the ground up, to set a culture from day one… that’s something I couldn’t pass up.”
Sources close to the situation say Kidd had been in confidential talks with the NBA for months. The league reportedly made the offer in early March, following the official confirmation of the Kansas City expansion. Kidd, 52, was at the top of a short list of coaching candidates, with the league wanting a respected veteran to spearhead the high-profile franchise launch.
Kidd’s leadership credentials are hard to match. As a player, he was a 10-time All-Star, an NBA champion, and a gold medalist. As a coach, he’s had successful stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Mavericks. Known for his basketball IQ and defensive discipline, Kidd is expected to bring a serious, structured culture to the Kansas City organization.
“It’s not just about basketball,” Kidd said. “It’s about building a culture of accountability, respect, and excellence — from the first practice to the final buzzer of our first season.”
In Dallas, the news was met with both disappointment and gratitude. Mavericks governor Mark Cuban issued a statement praising Kidd for his tenure.
“Jason Kidd has been an incredible leader and mentor for our team,” Cuban said. “He helped bring out the best in Luka and gave our organization stability and class. We’re sad to see him go, but we’re proud of the legacy he leaves behind — and we wish him the very best in this historic opportunity.”
Luka Dončić also reacted to the news via social media, writing: “Coach Kidd changed my game and my mindset. I’m thankful for everything. Wishing you all the best in KC!”
As for what’s next for Dallas, the Mavericks front office has already begun the search for a new head coach. Early reports suggest that assistant coach Sean Sweeney is among the internal candidates being considered, along with external names like Kenny Atkinson and Sam Cassell.
Meanwhile, Kansas City is buzzing with anticipation. The city has long lobbied for an NBA team, and with the T-Mobile Center ready to host, the infrastructure and fan base are firmly in place. Season ticket interest has already skyrocketed since the franchise was announced — and with Jason Kidd now at the helm, expectations are even higher.
“I can’t wait to get to Kansas City,” Kidd said. “We’re going to build something special there — for the players, for the fans, and for the future of the NBA.”
The Kansas City Kings are expected to announce their full coaching staff and front office structure in the coming weeks, along with details about the 2025 Expansion Draft, where Kidd will play a central role in selecting the franchise’s first roster.
For Dallas, it’s the end of a meaningful chapter. For Kansas City, it’s the beginning of a brand-new story — and with Jason Kidd leading the way, the NBA’s newest franchise is already in capable hands.