Jason Kidd now top choice for Knicks coach as search turns messy: source

NEW YORK — The Knicks coaching search has turned messy, with Jason Kidd emerging as a frontrunner after contract negotiations with Tom Thibodeau stalled, a plugged-in NBA source told the Daily News.

Kidd, an unquestioned Hall of Fame player, is viewed by the Knicks as a conduit to attracting free agents, but there are also people in the organization who are skeptical of his coaching ability following underwhelming stints in Brooklyn and Milwaukee. As a result, the Kidd hire would come with the caveat of the front office picking at least some of his assistant coaches.

“It’s basically to save Kidd from himself,” the

source said.

Thibodeau has long been considered top choice, but a source said owner James Dolan has thus far been unwilling to agree to his

contract requests. It’s still possible the sides reach an agreement, but it would require a concession. Given the reservations about Kidd — who has a history of short stays and ugly breakups — retaining interim coach Mike Miller is another possibility if Thibodeau

doesn’t re-emerge.

Miller went 17-27 this season after taking over for David Fizdale, impressing team president Leon Rose along the way.

According to a source, potential handpicked assistant coaching candidates for Kidd include Kenny

Payne, Rod Strickland and Mike Woodson — all who have close ties to Knicks executive William Wesley.

Kidd is currently in the Orlando bubble as an assistant with the Lakers. His career record is 183-190 after five seasons with the Nets and Bucks.

Maddie Meyer / TNS Jason Kidd of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Dec. 4, 2017 in Boston. Kidd is the frontrunner for the Knicks coaching job after negotiations with Tom Thibodeau stalled, according to a source.