The Atlanta Hawks fired Nate McMillan during the All-Star break in a move that was more surprising in terms of the timing though not as much for the decision itself. There had been a strain in the partnership between McMillan and Trae Young reported for several weeks. McMillan also reportedly had interest in stepping down on his own accord.

"They fired their coach, not out of nowhere because there had been rumblings about the Nate McMillan-Trae relationship since the mysterious missed shootaround and the communication gaps that existed there," said  But I think a lot of people within that team, players, coaches, staff were blindsided by 23 games to go at the end of the All-Star break... 'We're pulling the trigger now on this?'"

The Hawks are expected to eventually hire Quin Snyder as their next head coach.