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June 04, 2025
Ime Udoka Contract: After the New York Knicks decided to part ways with Tom Thibodeau, the search for a new head coach began.
Several media outlets quickly mentioned Ime Udoka. The current Houston Rockets head coach is reportedly one of the top names on the Knicks’ radar.
Right now, Ime Udoka is in the middle of his contract with the Rockets. He signed a four-year deal back in April 2023. That means he still has time left on his current coaching agreement.
Ian Begley, a veteran Knicks reporter from SNY, shared some insight.
According to Marc Stein, the Knicks are reportedly interested in both Ime Udoka and Jason Kidd.
Begley mentioned he has also heard Udoka's name come up.
If the Knicks want to hire Udoka, they’ll first need permission from the Rockets.
They’d also have to offer compensation to release him from his current contract.
Unless Ime Udoka himself shows a strong desire for the Knicks job — and there’s no sign of that — it’s hard to imagine the Rockets even considering it.
Under Udoka, Houston has taken major steps forward over the past two seasons.
In fact, he recently finished third in the 2024-25 Coach of the Year race.
He’s still under contract for several more years. Within the Rockets organization, he’s seen as a key part of their long-term future. Simply put, the team has no plans to let him go.
Of course, if the Knicks offered a strong trade package and Udoka made it clear he wouldn’t stay long-term, the Rockets might consider it.
In that case, getting valuable assets would be better than losing him for nothing later.
But so far, there’s no sign that anything like this is happening. Udoka is originally from Portland.
In fact, New York is even farther from his West Coast roots than Houston. That makes a move to the Knicks seem even less likely at this point.
A more likely scenario is that the Knicks' interest gives Udoka some leverage in future contract talks.
NBA coaching salaries have gone up quite a bit since he first signed with the Rockets over two years ago.
Also, it's rare for a head coach to enter the final year of a deal without an extension — often called a "lame duck" season.
So, before the 2026–27 season arrives, there's a good chance Udoka and the Rockets will revisit his contract. Negotiations for a new deal seem inevitable.
In that situation, attention from other NBA teams can work in Udoka’s favor. It boosts his value in the coaching market.
Being seen as a coach that teams want only strengthens his position. Public interest makes him look even more desirable. And that can help in future contract talks.
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