The Atlanta Hawks have fired general manager Landry Fields and promoted Onsi Saleh to take over the role, the team announced Monday. This move comes after the Hawks finished the 2024–25 season with a 40-42 record and were eliminated in the NBA Play-In Tournament by the Miami Heat. The organization also announced the launch of a search for a new president of basketball operations and has hired Sportsology Group, a leading provider of strategic advisory and operational support in the sports industry, to guide the process.
Fields, who joined the franchise in 2020 and became GM in 2022, led the team to one playoff appearance but ultimately missed the postseason in the last two years. Team owner Tony Ressler thanked Fields for his contributions, notably his role in drafting French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick in 2024.
“I would genuinely like to thank Landry for his leadership during his time with us. Landry made our franchise better and left contributions that have positioned us for growth. I am grateful for his dedication and wish him success in his next endeavor.”
Onsi Saleh, who joined the Hawks in 2024 after stints with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, will now oversee all day-to-day basketball operations.
Sentiment
The Hawks have been in a tricky spot when it comes to the luxury tax and roster construction. Here are a few key things they could have done better to attract credible stars while navigating the tax line:
1. More Strategic Cap Management Early On
The Hawks locked into sizable contracts (like Trae Young, Clint Capela, John Collins before he was traded, and De’Andre Hunter) without a clear second star. This put them close to or over the luxury tax without contending. Instead, they could’ve staggered extensions and preserved cap flexibility to pivot toward acquiring a proven co-star via trade or free agency.
2. Trade Timing and Asset Management
The trade for Dejounte Murray in 2022 cost them multiple unprotected firsts — a big swing without being in a position to contend. That limited future flexibility and raised the pressure to win quickly. Had they waited or been more selective with assets, they might’ve used those picks to chase a bigger fish or package salary + picks for a more versatile two-way star.
3. Luxury Tax Positioning
Rather than hovering around the tax and being hesitant to cross it, the Hawks could’ve taken a more aggressive stance — either go deep into the tax with a serious contending roster, or stay well under and rebuild value assets. Straddling the line made it harder to justify moves that would appeal to stars looking to win now.
4. Build a Culture That Attracts Stars
Beyond cap sheets, stars look at structure: ownership stability, coaching consistency, player development, and clear vision. The Hawks have had turnover at GM, coach, and inconsistent performance. Solidifying the front office and identity earlier may have helped them build a stronger case to draw bigger names.
In short, they needed more financial and organizational clarity — either go all-in or reset with intention. What direction do you think they should take now? Blow it up or double down on building around Trae and Risacher?
Ressler emphasized the importance of this offseason, noting the team faces “complex decisions” and is committed to strengthening leadership and structure. Saleh’s promotion signals a broader shift in the Hawks’ strategic direction as they attempt to reshape the franchise and return to playoff contention. The addition of Sportsology to oversee the executive search reinforces the Hawks’ intent to build a more experienced and forward-thinking leadership group, with collaboration and long-term vision at the core.