The NBA’s latest major change doesn’t come from the Philadelphia 76ers. One week after parting ways with Daryl Morey as the President of Basketball Operations, the Sixers watched the Dallas Mavericks cut ties with Jason Kidd.
Suddenly, the NBA has a new head coaching vacancy, and it’s becoming relevant to the 76ers in the sportsbook world.
Nick Nurse Gets Linked To The Mavericks
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 25: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Mavericks are getting a late start to a new coaching search, but they are off and running now.
According to BetOnline, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has the second-highest odds of landing the Mavericks’ job with a +300 line.
San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney tops the list at +150. Beyond those two, the book lists Frank Vogel, Steve Nash, Tiago Splitter, and Tom Thibodeau as the following four possible candidates.
As for the prediction markets, Kalshi lists Nick Nurse with a 10% chance of joining the Mavs. That trails Jon Scheyer (21%), Billy Donovan (24%), and Sean Sweeney (34%).
What’s Next For Nick Nurse?
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 20: Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Following a second-round sweep against the New York Knicks, Nick Nurse’s job is expected to be safe in Philadelphia.
The same couldn’t be said for the front office leader, Daryl Morey, who was let go after six years. Many believed that the President-Coach combo would get the boot at the same time, but the 76ers seem to remain intrigued with Nurse.
However, nothing can be concrete until the front office is settled. Former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers is running the search for a new leader. Since he’s a high-ranking executive for the 76ers’ ownership group, Myers’ desire to keep Nurse is a major plus for the head coach.
But as the Mavericks just proved, anything can happen after a new hire. The Mavericks played their final game on April 12. Kidd’s job was deemed safe. On May 4, the Mavericks hired Masai Ujiri to take over as the President of Basketball Ops. Just 15 days later, Kidd is out of the job.
It’s worth keeping an eye on Nurse in this situation, but the Sixers seem to be sold on him as the head coach still.