Austin Brown emerges as a leading candidate for the Atlanta Hawks’ executive role (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have begun reshaping their front office after firing general manager Landry Fields on Monday, promoting Onsi Saleh to GM and launching a formal search for a new president of basketball operations. As the organization evaluates high-profile candidates, CAA agent Austin Brown has emerged as a name of interest.
Fields, who had led Atlanta’s front office since 2022, oversaw the selection of Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Risacher is now a finalist for Rookie of the Year. The team also saw a breakout campaign from Dyson Daniels, acquired in the Dejounte Murray trade, who is a finalist for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player.
Saleh Promoted, But Hawks Seek Additional Leadership
Saleh, 35, joined the Hawks in 2022 after three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he served as vice president of basketball strategy and team counsel. He previously worked five years with the San Antonio Spurs as director of strategy and process. However, Atlanta seeks to hire another leader to bolster its basketball operations department.
Ressler emphasized that hiring “an accomplished, senior-level leader to provide strategic direction and structure” alongside Saleh is “a top priority.”
Austin Brown Emerging as Key Candidate
Brown, who represents several NBA stars, including Hawks player Trae Young, is being considered for a top executive role in Atlanta’s front office, sources told RG. His client list includes Donovan Mitchell, Jaren Jackson Jr., OG Anunoby, Myles Turner, Jordan Poole, D’Angelo Russell, Nic Claxton, and Payton Pritchard.
There is speculation around the NBA about the perceived appeal of this job from established candidates. Elton Brand, the current GM of the Philadelphia 76ers, removed himself from consideration for the Hawks’ job despite not being the lead decision-maker under president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Other experienced options include Calvin Booth and Monte McNair, who were among recently fired GMs with the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
The Hawks must find a candidate who can align with current head coach Quin Snyder, considering he has more influence than the typical head coach. After consecutive losses, the Hawks finished 40–42 this season and were eliminated from the Play-In Tournament. It marked the second straight year Atlanta missed the playoffs and the latest setback for a franchise that has not won a postseason series since its 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the Hawks enter a crucial offseason—one that could determine the long-term outlook for their young core led by Young, Risacher, and Daniels—the front office hire is expected to signal a clear organizational direction.
Grant Afseth
