The Knicks being denied conversations with Finch and Udoka comes shortly after the news that a potential pairing with Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has become increasingly unlikely, according to reports. The Knicks have not formally requested to interview Kidd, but Dallas would likely block that request.

The New York Knicks reportedly reached out to the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves for permission to speak with head coaches Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, respectively, but were denied by both teams.

It never hurts to ask, but the New York Knicks were denied permission to interview Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their own vacancy, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.