The New York Knicks are conducting active due diligence on Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd among other head coaching candidates in their search to replace Tom Thibodeau, sources told ESPN.

When the Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, it seemed risky not to have a replacement in place. And they have reportedly made their first move as the Knicks are expected to formally request permission to speak to Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.

The New York Knicks made the somewhat surprising move to fire coach Tom Thibodeau after losing in the Eastern Conference Finals. It's not often that a front office goes ahead and fires a coach who makes the conference finals -- especially for a team that hasn't made it there in more than two decades.