Why The Dallas Mavericks Gave Jason Kidd A Contract Extension Today

Over the weekend, the battle heated up for who will run the sidelines for the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The Dallas Mavericks quickly removed their head coach's name from consideration, signing Jason Kidd to a multi-year contract extension this morning. Details of the contract were not released.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported earlier this month that Kidd's name had been mentioned in the Los Angeles Lakers' initial discussions about replacing Darvin Ham. Since taking over the Mavs, Kidd has compiled a 140-106 record in three seasons. He has taken the team to the playoffs twice, including an appearance in the Western Conference Finals run in 2022.

Kidd's ability to connect with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving is a major reason the Mavericks have had so much success so far this year, and let's face it, any coach who can help make Kyrie Irving even better is definitely worth locking up.

"I just know when I look at him, he has that understanding of high-level chess," Kyrie Irving said after the team eliminated the Clippers last week. "When you have a coach like that, that reassures you, reinforces that you're doing the right things, it goes a long way. I definitely feel like we're on the same wavelength as well. We're just proving it every day and just continuing to put one foot in front of the other, taking it step by step. It took me a while."

"We are excited to have Coach Kidd continue to lead our team throughout the coming years with this well-earned contract extension," Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont said in a statement. "Kidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise."

"I have known Jason for a long time, and I cannot think of a better, more qualified candidate to lead this team going forward," general manager Nico Harrison said. "As a former NBA champion Hall of Fame player, Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, which cannot be duplicated. He has earned the trust and respect of our players and that of so many across the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build upon the culture and foundation of success he's helped foster throughout his tenure as head coach."