It looks like the marriage between the Atlanta Hawks and head coach Mike Budenholzer will soon come to an end. The Phoenix Suns just recently interviewed the former NBA Coach of the Year. And while it appears nothing is happening on that front, another team is getting involved.
According to this report, the New York Knicks — having just recently fired Jeff Hornacek — are interested in interviewing Budenholzer for their head coaching opening.
Knicks plan to talk to Hawks coach Budenholzer about their vacancy, according to league source. Still not ruled out that Budenholzer eventually returns to ATL.
— Michael Cunningham (@MCunninghamAJC) April 20, 2018
It’s not yet known whether Atlanta will grant New York permission to speak to its head coach. After all, Budenholzer still has two years remaining on his deal. Also important to note, New York would have to give the Hawks compensation should they hire the head coach. In the midst of a complete rebuild, we’re not too sure the Knicks would be willing to do that.
In his five seasons at the Hawks’ head coach, Budenholzer led them to the playoffs four times. After gutting the roster of any real talent over the past two years, he oversaw a Hawks team that boasted an Eastern Conference worst 24-58 record this past regular season. For their part, the Knicks weren’t too much better at 29-53 on the season.