The New York Knicks have been denied permission to interview Chris Finch and Ime Udoka. The Knicks formally requested interviews for both head coaches. Finch will remain entrenched with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Ian Begley first reports that Udoka will remain with the Houston Rockets as has been widely expected.

The Knicks could request permission for other head coaches currently employed by other teams. The Knicks have been strongly linked with Jason Kidd, but have yet to request permission from the Dallas Mavericks.

New York is searching for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau shortly after the Eastern Conference Finals.

Finch was hired by the Wolves in 2021 and have reached the Western Conference Finals in two straight seasons. Finch previously coached Karl-Anthony Towns with the Wolves.

Udoka was hired by the Rockets in 2023 following his suspension by the Boston Celtics. Udoka led the Celtics to the Finals in 2022, which was his lone season as head coach of the franchise.