Report: Rockets won't let Knicks pursue Udoka

The Houston Rockets won't entertain the New York Knicks' pursuit of bench boss Ime Udoka, sources told The Athletic's Kelly Iko.

The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday after making their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years.

New York reportedly expressed interest in Udoka and Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as candidates for Thibodeau's replacement, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

However, Udoka and the Rockets are committed to the team long term and actively preparing for a busy offseason, Iko reports.

Udoka has been with the Rockets for two seasons, compiling a 93-71 record. Houston finished 2024-25 second in the West at 52-30 for its first 50-plus-win season in six years. The Rockets then fell in Round 1 in seven games to the Golden State Warriors.

Houston general manager Rafael Stone said "nobody's untouchable" this offseason.