Danny Ferry hired Mike Budenholzer two years ago but Ferry’s exit could lead to more power for the coach. (Jason Getz, AJC)
The Hawks are nearing a sale and it follows that the Danny Ferry situation is likely nearly a resolution.
As Chris Vivlamore reported late Thursday, the sale of the Hawks (and Philips Arena operating rights) to Tony Ressler and partners is scheduled to be completed on June 24, the day before the NBA draft. In situations like this, new ownership generally would rather not have to deal with answering questions at the introductory news conference about sticky situations like Ferry’s status.
There has been a belief within the Hawks’ organization for several months that the team’s general manager is not going to be brought back. The thinking is that coach Mike Budenholzer (expected to get a new contract with a raise and more autonomy) and assistant general manager Wes Wilcox likely will be at the top of the basketball operations department, at least for the next year.
At this point, there are three scenarios for Ferry, but only two plausible ones:
• Ferry resigns: This is the favorite. It could happen any day. The Hawks likely would agree to pay off the balance of Ferry’s contract and it would allow him to make an exit statement along the lines of, “I’m proud of the work I did here but I feel it’s the best for all parties to move on.”
• Ferry is fired: It doesn’t serve anybody to have this thing end ugly, least of all Ferry, who wants to get another job (and will). But he has been resistant to leaving, loves living in Atlanta and it may come to this.
• Ferry is kept: Think “PowerBall” odds.
Once more, with feeling: This isn’t about whether you believe Ferry has served his penance. It’s about the belief within the Hawks’ organization that they now have a successful and stable structure in place and they can operate fine without him, pending an addition or tweak in the front office down the line. If you put a 1,000 people in a room and 950 say Ferry should be brought back but 50 scream, “Racist!” — whether that’s accurate or not — is that something a new owner wants to deal with?
It’s business. The next move is up to Ferry.
Previously on this subject
MyAJC: Hawks have bigger decisions than signing Millsap, Carroll
MyAJC: Mike Budenholzer’s leadership is expected to grow
MyAJC: Private agendas still at play in Hawks’ offices
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