Knicks Have Yet to Contact Lakers for Permission to Interview JJ Redick, Alongside Other High-Profile NBA Coaches Including Rick Carlisle, Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers, and Ty Lue, League Sources Reveal

The New York Knicks are in the midst of a critical coaching search, aiming to find a leader who can elevate the franchise back to NBA prominence. As one of the league’s most storied teams, the Knicks’ coaching hire is closely watched by fans, analysts, and insiders alike. However, according to multiple league sources, the Knicks have not yet made formal contact with the Los Angeles Lakers to request permission to interview assistant coach JJ Redick. The same sources indicate the Knicks have also refrained from requesting interviews with other top coaching candidates, including Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, and Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue.

This revelation sheds light on the current status of the Knicks’ coaching search and raises questions about their approach, priorities, and strategy as they navigate the often complex NBA coaching carousel.

The Knicks’ Coaching Search: Background and Stakes

The Knicks have been seeking a new head coach following a disappointing stretch that has seen them struggle to return to consistent playoff contention. New York’s passionate fanbase, coupled with the franchise’s rich history, puts immense pressure on the organization to find the right leader — someone who can both maximize the talent on the roster and restore the team’s competitive edge.

The coaching search is more than just filling a vacancy; it’s about signaling the franchise’s direction and ambitions. The hire will influence team culture, player development, and ultimately, the Knicks’ standing in the Eastern Conference.

JJ Redick: From Elite Shooter to Coaching Prospect

JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter turned assistant coach with the Lakers, has quickly garnered attention as a potential head coaching candidate. Known for his basketball IQ, professionalism, and deep understanding of the game, Redick represents a new wave of coaching prospects who transition directly from playing to coaching.

Redick’s experience playing alongside and under some of the NBA’s best coaches has been cited as a valuable asset. His work with the Lakers, who are transitioning under new leadership and rebuilding around younger talent, provides him with a proving ground for his coaching philosophies and communication skills.

Despite this buzz, league sources now confirm that the Knicks have yet to formally request permission from the Lakers to interview Redick, a required step given NBA protocols.

The Coaching Carousel: Other Top Candidates

Alongside Redick, several high-profile coaches have been linked to the Knicks’ vacancy or are generally regarded as top candidates for head coaching roles around the league. These include:

• Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers): A seasoned veteran with a championship pedigree, Carlisle is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent.
• Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors): Kerr’s success with multiple championships makes him a high-profile candidate, though he is currently leading a strong Warriors team.
• Doc Rivers (Milwaukee Bucks): Rivers brings extensive head coaching experience and playoff pedigree, recently taking over the Bucks with the aim to defend their title.
• Ty Lue (Los Angeles Clippers): Lue has proven himself as a head coach capable of managing star talent and navigating playoff pressure.

Despite speculation, the Knicks have not requested interviews with any of these coaches either, as confirmed by league insiders. This suggests the team may be exploring alternative options or possibly planning a more measured approach in the coming weeks.

NBA Interview Permission Protocols and Their Significance

In the NBA, teams are required to grant permission before other franchises can interview their current head coaches or certain assistant coaches for open head coaching positions. This system respects contractual obligations and maintains a level of professionalism among franchises.

When a team is interested in interviewing a coach under contract with another team, they must first request permission from that coach’s current organization. Only after permission is granted can formal interviews take place.

The fact that the Knicks have not made such requests yet is telling. It may indicate several possibilities:

• The Knicks are prioritizing internal candidates or less high-profile coaches.
• The front office may still be evaluating its options before formally reaching out.
• Negotiations or discussions with certain coaches could be underway behind the scenes without formal permission requests.

Knicks’ Strategy: Patience or Missed Opportunity?

The absence of formal interview requests for such prominent names raises questions about the Knicks’ strategy. Are they exercising patience, waiting for the right moment to engage? Or could this hesitation result in missed opportunities as other teams move quickly to secure coaching talent?

One school of thought suggests the Knicks are conducting extensive research and due diligence before making official moves, ensuring any coaching hire aligns with the organization’s culture and vision.

Alternatively, some analysts believe the Knicks risk losing out on top coaching talent if they delay the interview process, especially given how quickly coaching vacancies can be filled in a competitive market.

The Impact of a Head Coaching Hire on the Knicks’ Future

The next head coach of the Knicks will face considerable expectations. They will need to:

• Develop and maximize the talent of players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
• Implement a system that suits the team’s strengths while adapting to evolving NBA styles.
• Rebuild a winning culture after years of inconsistency.
• Engage with the passionate New York fanbase and media with poise and confidence.

The choice of coach will influence free agency decisions, player morale, and overall organizational trajectory.

What’s Next for the Knicks and Their Coaching Search?

As the NBA offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on the Knicks to see whom they pursue and ultimately hire. Whether they decide to expand their search to include coaches like JJ Redick, Rick Carlisle, or Ty Lue — or opt for fresh, less conventional options — remains to be seen.

Industry insiders expect the Knicks’ front office to ramp up activity in the coming weeks, possibly scheduling interviews once they finalize their list of candidates and secure necessary permissions.

The coaching search is far from over, but this recent update from league sources clarifies that despite rumors, the Knicks have yet to formally engage with several marquee coaching names.

The New York Knicks’ coaching search is a pivotal moment in the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. The news that they have not yet requested permission to interview Lakers assistant JJ Redick or other high-profile coaches like Rick Carlisle, Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers, and Ty Lue reveals a cautious, perhaps strategic approach.

How the Knicks navigate this process will have lasting implications for the team’s competitiveness and identity in the coming years. As fans eagerly await an announcement, the Knicks’ front office must balance patience with decisiveness to secure a coach capable of steering the franchise toward sustained success.