Jason Kidd and the Mavericks Are Done: Masai Ujiri Launches His Revolution in Dallas

The Mavericks officially announced Tuesday evening the parting of ways with head coach Jason Kidd after five seasons on the Dallas bench. The team described the decision as « mutual, » but the message is clear: Masai Ujiri, named president of basketball operations just two weeks ago, intends to make his mark without delay.

A Departure That Was Inevitable After the Doncic Trade and Ujiri’s Arrival

Kidd leaves behind a perfectly balanced regular season record of 205 wins and 205 losses, along with a 22-18 playoff record. His tenure was highlighted by two memorable runs: a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022 and an NBA Finals appearance in 2024, which ended in a loss to the Boston Celtics. However, the last two seasons — capped by a dismal 26-56 record in 2025-26 and back-to-back playoff absences — ultimately cost him his job.

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The context in which Kidd operated over the last two years was nothing short of complicated. In February 2025, the Mavs traded Doncic to the Lakers for a package centered on Anthony Davis — a widely criticized move that led to the firing of GM Nico Harrison last November. The numbers speak for themselves: Dallas posted a 136-87 record with Doncic in the lineup, and a 69-118 record without him.

At his introductory press conference on May 5, Ujiri had been deliberately vague about Kidd’s future. « He has done good work, but we are going to examine this organization from top to bottom, » he said. Two weeks later, the decision came down. According to ESPN, Kidd had also expressed a desire to move into basketball operations following Harrison’s departure, but owner Patrick Dumont made it clear he would not be considered for that role. Kidd was also reportedly kept out of the process that led to Ujiri’s hiring.

Breaking: Jason Kidd is out as coach of the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced.

New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is making a coaching change. pic.twitter.com/XonUu0Fe5S

— ESPN (@espn) May 19, 2026

A New Chapter Begins

Despite the split, Ujiri took a moment to recognize the work done by the legendary point guard: « Jason has had a significant impact on Dallas, both as a Hall of Fame playing legend and as a head coach who helped bring this franchise back to the NBA Finals. We are grateful for Jason’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the team. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve developed tremendous respect for what he has built. He will always be an integral part of the Mavericks family. »

Kidd walks away with a substantial payout: he had four years and more than $40 million remaining on his contract, following two successive extensions in 2024 and 2025.

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The Texas franchise is now entering a new era. Ujiri and new GM Mike Schmitz will launch an extensive search for the next head coach, whose primary mission will be to develop Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Dallas will also hold the 9th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and will need to manage several key free agency decisions, including the expiring contracts of Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington, as well as the extension of Dereck Lively II. Kyrie Irving, who missed the entire 2025-26 season following an ACL tear, is expected to return.