A Strategic Turnaround in Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks announced a long‑term contract for Onsi Saleh, elevating him from general manager to president of basketball operations, a move that cements his authority over the franchise’s basketball strategy.
Since taking the helm in April 2025, Saleh orchestrated a series of high‑profile moves, most notably a trade that sent star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran scorer CJ McCollum and sharpshooter Corey Kispert, reshaping the roster.
The reshaped squad surged to a 27‑15 record, highlighted by an 11‑game winning streak that propelled the team into the playoffs, where they became the sole Eastern Conference club to notch victories over the New York Knicks.
Saleh’s impact was recognized league‑wide, as he finished second in the NBA Executive of the Year voting, trailing only Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens.