Mike Budenholzer has now interviewed with both the Pheonix Suns and New York Knicks. Hawks fans were optimistic after Budenholzer backed out of the Pheonix job, but it appears he may have a new coaching destination atop his list according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“New York’s his top choice,’’ the NBA source said. “If they offered him the job, he’d say yes. He wants to live in New York.’’
Things remain complicated, however, as Budenholzer has two years remaining on his contract with the Hawks. Atlanta will have to be compensated by any team that will want the services of Coach Bud.
There has not been a Coach of Mike Budenholzer’s caliber to hit the trade market in recent memory. Doc Rivers fetched the Celtics a first-round pick in 2013. The NBA allows a lot of creativity in these types of deals, but general manager Travis Schlenk will definitely seek draft pick compensation for any type of deal.
One thing is for sure: it is looking less and less like Coach Bud will be coaching the Hawks next season. You never see a coach flirt around with other teams like this and stick around. There is a chance, but let’s be real here: the Hawks are going to have to find a new coach this offseason.