The New York Knicks find themselves in a tight spot this offseason, as their pursuit of a new head coach hits a wall. Just when hopes were high, more candidates have joined the list of those the Knicks cannot interview.

The Dismal Lineup of Denied Requests

So far, the Knicks have attempted to interview several prominent coaches, only to face repeated rejections. Among the names on their wish list are:

- **Billy Donovan** (Chicago Bulls) - **Jason Kidd** (Dallas Mavericks) - **Ime Udoka** (Houston Rockets) - **Chris Finch** (Minnesota Timberwolves) - **Quin Snyder** (Atlanta Hawks) As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, their request to speak with Quin Snyder about their head coaching vacancy was "firmly denied" by the Hawks, further complicating their coaching exploration.

What Do the Stars Think?

In light of the rejection, Hawks' shooting star Trae Young couldn't help but respond cheekily, leaving fans speculating on the dynamics between teams.

Bulls Shut Door on Donovan

In another setback, NBA insiders K.C. Johnson and Marc Stein confirmed that the Chicago Bulls also turned away the Knicks’ request to interview Billy Donovan. The Knicks are clearly targeting an elite coach to take over for Tom Thibodeau, but so far, the doors are closing.

The Challenge of Finding a Top Coach

Reports indicate that, despite the setbacks, many of these denied coaches could opt to navigate their current contracts to make a move; however, that path comes with its own risks.

Jason Kidd remains a fan-favorite in the Knicks organization, but there’s speculation that he might be using the Knicks’ interest as leverage to secure a contract extension with the Mavericks, where he has two years remaining on his deal.

Possible Alternatives

With traditional routes to hiring established coaches appearing bleak, the Knicks might be forced to explore less conventional options, such as hiring a coach without a current job or promoting an assistant.

One name to keep an eye on is **Michael Malone**, the former Denver Nuggets head coach who led his team to a championship two years ago before being let go. Malone’s experience as a Knicks assistant from 2001 to 2005 could make him a fitting candidate.

As the Knicks continue their pursuit, fans are left wondering: who will be the one to break the mold and lead this team to glory?