The Atlanta Hawks can now officially join the list of NBA franchises in search of a new head coach.
Mike Budenholzer has been exploring other coaching vacancies for weeks, speaking with the Phoenix Suns before passing on them and most recently garnering interest from the New York Knicks, but remained under contract with the Hawks. On Wednesday night that changed, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the two sides have agreed to part ways officially.
The Atlanta Hawks and coach Mike Budenholzer have mutually agreed to part ways, league sources told ESPN. Story soon on ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2018
Shortly after Woj’s report went out, the Hawks confirmed the news via release.
Budenholzer had two years and nearly $14 million remaining on his contract in Atlanta, so it will be interesting to see what agreement they came to as far as what he’ll be paid as he exits. However, one would have to think this signifies Budenholzer being close to an agreement with another franchise, possibly the Knicks although that is purely speculation, and this is a way to avoid that team having to find a way to compensate the Hawks.
During his time in Atlanta, Budenholzer led the Hawks to a 213-197 (.520) record, including the peak of the franchise’s success with the 2014-15 squad that won 60 games and made the Eastern Conference Finals. However, personnel moves under Bud’s watch as team president eventually led to him being removed form front office power and Travis Schlenk taking over with visions of tearing down and rebuilding. Understandable, Budenholzer wasn’t as keen on that idea and there have been grumblings from the beginning that he would not be coaching the team come next season.
That is now the case and Bud will be a hot commodity on the coaching market, especially now that his contract situation with the Hawks is apparently resolved. One would expect him not to last long as a coaching free agent with this many teams looking for a new head man, and all eyes are on the Knicks right now as his potential landing spot.
As for the Hawks search, they will reportedly be focusing on a number of assistant coaches from around the league.
Sources: Among current assistant coaches expected to be a part of the Hawks search to replace Budenholzer: Charlotte's Stephen Silas, Portland's Nate Tibbetts and David Vanterpool, San Antonio's Ime Udoka and James Borrego.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2018
