Full Breakdown
Jason Kidd in Advanced Talks with ESPN for NBA Studio Analyst Role
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
NBA veteran Jason Kidd, a 10-time All-Star and two-time champion, is reported to be in “advanced talks” with ESPN to join its NBA studio coverage. The information comes from league insider Marc Stein, whose tweet on October 5, 2026 announced the potential hire. Kidd would be added to the network’s “NBA Countdown” program, filling the vacancy created when Michael Malone left ESPN to become head coach at the University of North Carolina.
Background & Context
Kidd’s coaching tenure with the Dallas Mavericks ended in May 2026 after five seasons. The dismissal occurred two weeks after Masai Ujiri was appointed president of basketball operations in Dallas. Dusty May, who led the Michigan Wolverines to an NCAA championship, succeeded Kidd as head coach. During Kidd’s final season, the Mavericks posted a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs following the trade of franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier, Kidd had guided Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals, where the team fell in five games to the Boston Celtics.
Data & Statistics
- Coaching record with Dallas (final season): 26-56.
- Remaining contract value at the time of dismissal: over $40 million with four years left, per the report from AwfulAnnouncing.
- ESPN vacancy: the analyst slot opened after Michael Malone’s departure to coach the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Official Statements & Responses
- ESPN has not issued a formal comment on the hiring talks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love coaching. I love to watch players get better. I want to win, I want to help the team win,” — Jason Kidd, former head coach.
What’s Next
If the negotiations conclude successfully, Kidd is expected to appear on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” alongside host Malika Andrews and analysts Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone, and senior insider Shams Charania. No specific launch date has been disclosed, but the addition would reshape ESPN’s studio lineup for the upcoming NBA season.