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Mavericks Fire Jason Kidd After Missed Playoffs

5/20/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and head coach Jason Kidd mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday.
Kidd left the team with four years and more than $40 million remaining on his contract.
However, the Mavericks missed the playoffs three seasons and posted a 26-56 record in 2025-26.
Ujiri said the organization will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for a new head coach while reviewing the basketball operations staff.

History

Historical Context

After hiring EuroLeague Coach of the Year David Blatt on June 20 2014, the Cleveland Cavaliers rode his leadership to the 2015 NBA Finals and a 30-11 start in 2015-16. Owner Dan Gilbert and commissioner Adam Silver approved his dismissal on Jan 22 2016, triggering a roughly $30 million buyout. The move exemplifies the NBA’s willingness to absorb large payouts to reset coaching staff.

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Story summary

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and head coach Jason Kidd mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday.
Kidd left the team with four years and more than $40 million remaining on his contract.
However, the Mavericks missed the playoffs three seasons and posted a 26-56 record in 2025-26.
Ujiri said the organization will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for a new head coach while reviewing the basketball operations staff.

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