Mavericks Keep Jason Kidd To Groom Cooper Flagg

Merlin sees the Mavericks are not planning to move on from Jason Kidd while they hunt for a new general manager. League sources told Marc Stein the Mavs want Kidd to continue coaching prized rookie Cooper Flagg and have "repeatedly downplayed" talk of Kidd shifting to the front office. That matters because Flagg, a 20.3-point rookie, showed early trust from Kidd and his development is central to Dallas' future. Merlin senses stability by design. Dallas is waiting until after the regular season to search in earnest and has not hired an outside firm, signaling a preference to pair a GM with the coach already guiding Flagg. Flagg said he’s "reaping the benefits" of early responsibility, and if he takes a leap, Kidd’s job looks safe; if not, the new GM may stir the pot.