Conflicting Reports Emerge About Future of Atlanta Hawks GM Wes Wilcox
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly making some major changes to their front office.
The Atlanta Hawks pulled a surprise move on Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, the team has parted ways with general manager Wes Wilcox. Wilcox took over for Danny Ferry in June 2015 after Ferry parted ways with the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks have parted ways with GM Wes Wilcox, sources told ESPN. Story coming. https://t.co/4g53brOXrV
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 3, 2017
Since Wilcox took over as GM, the team has regressed from its 60-win season in 2014-2015 that resulted in an Eastern Conference Finals birth. While Mike Budenholzer serves as the president of basketball operations, significant moves have been attached to Wilcox during his tenure.
The Hawks traded Jeff Teague and lost Al Horford in free agency. Also, Wilcox was the GM when Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard, and Dennis Schroder were signed to their current deals.
Wilcox had not been free of controversy during his reign as GM. Earlier this season, Wilcox was disciplined for making racially insensitive remarks at a team event. Wilcox later apologized for his remarks.
Before being named the general manager, Wilcox served as the team’s assistant GM from 2012-2015. It is unclear what the Hawks have in mind or if they have zeroed in on a target to be the new GM. But this does symbolize that the team is looking to make some real changes to its structure.
UPDATE: 5/3/2017 4:45 P.M.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks are denying reports of Wilcox’s departure.
From Hawks: "There are no changes to report at his time. Any reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate."
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) May 3, 2017
Not saying the report of Wes Wilcox out as Hawks GM is untrue but I have spoken to two persons who have no knowledge of it.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) May 3, 2017
UPDATE: 5/3/17 4:50 P.M.
Adrian Wojnarowski, of Yahoo’s The Vertical. reports that Wilcox’s future is still being discussed. He also adds that Budenholzer’s future as president is being discussed but he is going to remain the head coach.
Sources: Hawks ownership is still discussing Wes Wilcox's future as GM of the franchise. Decisions could come as soon as today. https://t.co/aJm0C6PEWl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2017
Sources: Atlanta president/coach Mike Budenholzer has been discussing w/ ownership possibility of dropping president duties, staying coach.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2017
Next: Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Season Review: Dennis Schroder
Stay tuned for updates.