Massive development emerges in New York Knicks’ coaching search surrounding Chris Finch and Ime Udoka: Report

The New York Knicks are going all out in their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau. On Tuesday, NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell report revealing that the Knicks attempted to speak with Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka regarding the vacancy.

According to Charania, the Knicks formally requested permission to engage both Finch and Udoka in hopes of persuading them to leave their current positions and take over in New York. However, their efforts were unsuccessful as both requests were flatly denied.

“The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both,” Charania tweeted. “Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.”

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Shams Charania

@ShamsCharania

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The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN. Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.

The Knicks recently parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, this time losing 4-2 to Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. The defeat marked the end of Thibodeau’s tenure with the franchise.

Meanwhile, Chris Finch guided the Minnesota Timberwolves to an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over in Houston, Ime Udoka led the Rockets to the playoffs but saw his team eliminated in a hard-fought seven-game first-round series against the Golden State Warriors.

NBA fans react to Knicks getting denied by Wolves, Rockets

Social media lit up the moment Shams Charania reported on the New York Knicks’ bold pursuit of Chris Finch and Ime Udoka. Fans quickly reacted online, with many expressing surprise at the franchise’s audacious attempt to lure the two head coaches away from their respective teams.

A fan said:

BGN Hoops

@BGNHoops

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Why would the Wolves and Rockets say yes lmao

Another fan said:

Raden

@VLQ28

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At this stage

@nyknicks

look ridiculous. They've been linked with so many coaches & names that they could probably fill half of MSG with them.

The decision to fire TT was correct but they have no seeming direction, no back up plans & apparently little (hope) to offer their loyal, dedicated and long suffering fans.

A fan commented:

Grant "Money" Mona

@Gmona48

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I mean...yeah. Did the Knicks just expect to poach other coaches easily?

A user wrote:

AthletesAndAssets™

@AthletesAssets

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Can someone explain to me why anybody would allow them to talk to their head coach?

Charania also noted that, as of Tuesday night, the Knicks had not submitted a formal request to speak with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. However, he added that even if they did, the Mavericks are expected to deny such a request outright.

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About the author

Atishay Jain

Atishay Jain is a sports aficionado and an avid follower of the NBA and WNBA, with a deep admiration for LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Content Manager with Sportskeeda's basketball team.

Atishay's career spans both Indian and international sports coverage, with a keen interest in cricket, football, basketball, and tennis. His previous roles at News9Live and Sports Tak included live blogging, anchoring sports shows, and participating in debates.

A graduate in Journalism from the Center for Management Studies in Bengaluru, India, Atishay brings a wealth of experience and passion to his work in sports media.

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