RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Larry Drew Will Interview For Bucks' Head Coaching Job Monday

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:26:42 EDT

Larry Drew will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy on Monday and is receiving interest from a second team.

The Bucks called Danny Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until June 30, and they were granted permission.

“I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew said. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.”

While Drew is prepared to part ways with the Hawks, the door is not completely closed on him returning as coach.

“There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession."

Hawks Interview Stan Van Gundy, Mike Budenholzer For Coaching Vacancy

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:31:01 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks have interviewed Stan Van Gundy and Mike Budenholzer for their vacant head coach position.

Nate McMillan previously interviewed for the position.

The Hawks are reportedly in the middle stages of the hiring process.

Hawks Seriously Considering Ettore Messina

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:43:39 EDT

Ettore Messina has emerged as a serious candidate to become the next head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Messina was born in Italy and is the current coach of CSKA Moscow. Messina is a four-time Euroleague championship coach and two-time Euroleague coach of the year. 

Messina was part of the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff during the 11-12 NBA season.

Messina left the NBA to take a $1 million-plus a year job with CSKA.

Danny Ferry recently scouted CSKA at last weekend's Euroleague Final Four.

Stan Van Gundy and Quin Snyder are also candidates.

Nate McMillan Interviews With Hawks

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:31:47 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks interviewed Nate McMillan for their head coaching job on Wednesday, according to sources.

Larry Drew remains under contract until June 30 and a final decision on whether he will be offered a new deal has yet to be determined.

Drew, however, is highly unlikely to return.

McMillan already has interviewed this offseason with the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.

Danny Ferry is interested in Stan Van Gundy, but he is unlikely to return to coaching next season.

Hawks To Seek Sign-And-Trade Scenarios For Josh Smith

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:09:40 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks enter the offseason with Josh Smith's free agency amongst their most pressing issues.

The Hawks will likely seek sign-and-trade packages involving Smith in order to receive assets in return.

The Hawks also have cap space and are expected to pursue Dwight Howard.

Smith will be an unrestricted free agent.

Hawks Pursuing Stan Van Gundy

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:29:55 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks are pursuing Stan Van Gundy for their head coach vacancy.

Danny Ferry and Van Gundy have been in contact, but have yet to meet in person about the opportunity.

The Hawks also plan on pursuing Dwight Howard and there is a growing belief that a reunion would be of interest.

Sources say Van Gundy holds Ferry in high regard.

The Hawks have not made a final decision on Larry Drew, but it is assumed he won't be back unless they are unable to secure a deal with any of their top targets.

Budenholzer, Snyder Considered Favorites For Probable Hawks' Opening

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:52:41 EDT

Mike Budenholzer and Quin Snyder are considered the leading candidates to replace Larry Drew as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, according to a source.

The Hawks have yet to formally decide on the future of Drew.

Budenholzer is currently an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, where Danny Ferry had multiple stints in the front office.

Snyder also worked with Ferry in the Spurs' organization and they were teammates together at Duke in the eighties.

Hawks Want To Re-Sign Kyle Korver

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:41:18 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks have let Kyle Korver know that they want to re-sign him in free agency this offseason, and the interest in staying together is mutual.

“They said they would like to work something out, so we’ll talk in July,” Korver said. “I really enjoyed my year here in Atlanta. I enjoyed the team. I enjoyed the organization. I believe (general manager) Danny Ferry is going to do some great things here. I think he has a great opportunity to bring in guys who are going to play fun basketball.

“You know the vision he has. You know the kind of basketball that he likes to watch, and I think he’s going to bring in those types of guys, and I like the same basketball that he likes. So, I’m very open to coming back here.”

Korver, obtained in last offseason's trade with the Chicago Bulls, will become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Larry Drew, Assistants Begin Searching For New Jobs

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:10:50 EDT

Larry Drew and his coaching staff have begun searching for new opportunities as they remain in limbo in regards to their status for next season with the Atlanta Hawks, according to sources.

Danny Ferry is expected to reach a decision about their future by the middle of this week. One source said the odds are long that Ferry will bring back Drew and his staff.

Drew's contract expires on July 1.

Drew has a 128-102 record in three seasons with the Hawks.

Josh Smith Wants To Explore Options In Free Agency

Sat, 04 May 2013 10:29:09 EDT

Josh Smith will explore his options this summer when he becomes a free agent.

Smith will become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens in July.

“The only thing I know is I want to be able to experience free agency,” Smith said after the Atlanta Hawks were eliminated Friday in Game 6 of their first-round series by Indiana. “I want to explore my options and see what’s out there. I don’t have any certain idea what’s going to happen.”

Smith was asked what went through his mind as he walked off the court at Phillips Arena.

“As I walked off the court, everything just sort of hit me,” Smith said late Friday night. “Just the uncertainty of what the future holds. Just thinking about all of the relationships I’ve had here and the people who’ve crossed my path since I’ve been here. I just … I just don’t know.”

Hawks Offered Josh Smith Three-Year, $45M Extension

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:16:50 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks offered Josh Smith a three-year, $45 million contract extension before the season.

According to sources, the talks never got serious because Smith made it clear that he wanted to make it to free agency.

League rules on extensions kept the Hawks from offering anything longer than three extra years during the season.

The Hawks then tried hard to trade Smith prior to February's deadline.

Hawks Haven't Approached Larry Drew About New Deal

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:11:48 EDT

Larry Drew doesn't have a contract with the Atlanta Hawks past this season, and the front office has not yet approached him about his future.

Danny Ferry has previously stated that he will use the season to evaluate all aspects of the organization.

Drew has guided the Hawks to the postseason in each of his three seasons and has compiled a 127-100 regular-season record.

Devin Harris Given PRP Injection In Toe

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:00:14 EDT

Devin Harris was given a platelet-rich plasma injection in his ailing toe.

Harris received similar treatment during the All-Star break.

“It helps,” Harris said. “It’s sore for two or three days but when the soreness goes away and the swelling goes away you can see my movement after the All-Star break was a lot better. I’m able to change direction and speed like I want to.”

Harris has missed 21 games this season, 20 due to issues with his foot.

Korver Wants To Sign With Winning Team, Hopes To Play Five More Years

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:16:53 EDT

Kyle Korver figures to get his share of offers on the unrestricted free-agent market this summer.

 “I think I have still got, lord willing and no injuries, four or five good years, but you never know, we’ll see,” Korver said. “At this stage of my career, to be on a bad team, I just don’t want any part of that. It is good to be here. It is always good to be in the playoffs. The playoffs are a whole other world. It is a different game. It is where you make the memories. I want to play in a good culture on a good team.”

Korver, now in his 10th season, credits his longevity to a healthy lifestyle.

“You keep on getting experience. You keep on getting smarter. You learn the little tricks of the trade,” Korver said. “I don’t depend on jumping over people and running by everyone. I stay in great shape and always keep on moving, but I don’t have to necessarily hit a certain speed all the time. I feel the best I have felt in several years. One of things you learn how to do is take care of yourself and that is something I pay a lot of attention to.”

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Tue, 21 May 2013 03:17:02 EDT

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