After the New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, it was reported that they are targeting active head coaches to replace him, including the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd and the Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka. Recently, Ian Begley of SNY reported that the Knicks are interested in Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. It's easy to see why the Knicks would be interested in Finch, given his connection with Karl-Anthony Towns and immense success. Additionally, Finch was hired Gersson Rosas, who now works for the Knicks. Regardless, Wolves fans can rest assured that he isn't going anywhere, as they will surely decline the Knicks' request to interview him.
.@IanBegley reports that in addition to Jason Kidd, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka are two coaches under contract that the Knicks have "degrees of interest" in pic.twitter.com/NxFJ3dqEiN
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 6, 2025
Finch is poised to stay with the Wolves
Last summer, Finch signed a four-year extension with Minnesota, keeping him under contract until the 2027-28 season. While a coach can be traded, it's exceptionally rare. The last time a coach was traded, ironically, was Jason Kidd in 2014, and before that, Doc Rivers in 2013. It would also require mutual interest, and it's unlikely Finch would want to leave Minnesota after the recent success he's had with the team. Likewise, there's no reason why the Wolves should grant him permission to interview.
Finch has been with the Wolves since 2021 and has been the most successful coach in franchise history. He boasts a 56.6 winning percentage with the Wolves, which is the best in franchise history. Furthermore, Finch has netted 209 regular-season wins and 21 playoff wins. During this time, Finch has also finished top three in Coach of the Year voting twice. Crucially, Finch has helped guide the Wolves to back-to-back Conference Finals appearances for the first time in franchise history. For Finch to leave a franchise that he just helped turn around seems improbable, as does the Wolves being willing to let him go. Moreover, the Knicks are depleted of draft capital and wouldn't be able to make an intriguing offer, especially if they hope to make another move this offseason.
Finch's ability to build culture and his elite schemes on both ends of the floor make him one of the league's best coaches. He has helped the Wolves become an elite defense, as they have been a top 10 defense in the league in three out of the four years with Finch. All while empowering Anthony Edwards offensively and getting the most out of his role players. The Wolves' top players have openly praised Finch on multiple occasions.
Despite the Knicks' interest in Finch, all signs point to him staying in Minnesota. For the Knicks, Finch and Udoka seem like unrealistic targets. Kidd is a bit more realistic, but feels unlikely that searching for more candidates who aren't current head coaches could be wise. Ultimately, Wolves fans should be confident that Finch will return next season.