NEW YORK — Former Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said Monday he intends to return to an NBA sideline. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio’s “The Starting Lineup,” the 68-year-old told host Frank Isola he is “preparing for the next opportunity” after being dismissed by New York in the offseason.
The veteran coach has been out of work only three times since 2010: the 2015-16 season after leaving Chicago, the 2019-20 campaign following his stint in Minnesota, and the current 2025-26 season. His pattern of one-year breaks suggests he could pursue openings this spring.
2026 Slam Dunk Contest Updates
Three-time champion Mac McClung will not defend his title at All-Star Weekend, his father Marcus told ESPN’s Anthony Olivieri. “Not going to be four in a row,” Marcus McClung said via text, adding that multiple factors led to the decision. The 27-year-old guard, now with the G League’s Windy City Bulls, later posted on social media that he plans to release the dunks he had prepared.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, who participated last year, also declined an invitation. “I’m trying to listen to my body and this stretch of games coming up is going to be very important for us,” the 20-year-old told the Chicago Sun-Times. Buzelis said he hopes to compete in a future contest but noted the demanding preparation “takes a toll.”
Around the League
• Keith Smith of Spotrac released a comprehensive Eastern Conference trade-deadline primer, detailing each team’s salary-cap position, trade exceptions, draft assets, and potential strategies.
• John Hollinger of The Athletic profiled Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler, writing that the breakout season has elevated the once-unheralded recruit into a projected 2026 lottery pick.
All developments arrive as the NBA calendar approaches both the February trade deadline and All-Star Weekend.
Source: Hoops Rumors
