Photo: Minnesota Timberwolves/YouTube

The Dallas Mavericks’ search for a new head coach is beginning to take shape, with Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey and veteran coach Terry Stotts emerging as leading candidates to replace Jason Kidd.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Nori is among Dallas’ top contenders as the franchise continues a coaching search that began after Kidd’s departure on May 20. Stein reported that Nori is also a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers’ vacancy.

The Mavericks are coming off a disappointing 26-56 season that left them 12th in the Western Conference and out of postseason contention. The organization has since undergone significant changes, with Masai Ujiri taking over basketball operations and spearheading a broader effort to reshape the franchise’s long-term direction.

Nori’s candidacy is backed by an extensive NBA résumé. He has spent more than a decade as an assistant with the Timberwolves, helping guide Minnesota to a 49-33 record and a playoff appearance in 2025-26. Known for his player-development work and offensive creativity, Nori gained national attention during previous playoff runs when he filled in for head coach Chris Finch on the sidelines.

Ivey represents another rising coaching name. The former NBA guard has served as an assistant under Ime Udoka in Houston and has earned praise around the league for his communication skills and defensive expertise. Houston finished 52-30 this season and secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference before falling to the Lakers in the first round. Ivey has also accumulated international coaching experience and previously worked with the Brooklyn Nets.

Stotts offers a dramatically different profile. The 68-year-old coached the Portland Trail Blazers for nine seasons from 2012 to 2021, compiling a 402-318 regular-season record and leading the franchise to eight consecutive playoff appearances. His teams consistently ranked among the league’s most efficient offenses, making him one of the most experienced candidates available.

Dallas is also exploring options beyond the NBA ranks. Stein and Jake Fischer recently reported that the Mavericks have conducted exploratory conversations regarding Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and Michigan’s Dusty May. Neither coach is believed to be actively pursuing an NBA move, but Dallas has continued gathering information on a wide range of candidates.

The decision carries significant weight for the franchise’s future. The Mavericks hold the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and are attempting to build around Cooper Flagg, one of the organization’s foundational pieces. The coaching hire will likely play a major role in shaping both Flagg’s development and the team’s overall identity.

With the draft scheduled for June 23-24 and offseason roster decisions approaching, the Mavericks are expected to continue evaluating candidates in the coming days before making one of the most important hires of the franchise’s new era.