The Atlanta Hawks are signing general manager Onsi Saleh to a long-term contract extension and promoting him to president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Saleh's promotion comes after the Hawks reached the first round and led the New York Knicks 2-1 before losing the series in six games. Despite a pivot this season and trading Trae Young to Washington in January, the Hawks turned their season around by going 19-3 at one point from early February to early April.
"Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level. He is a gifted communicator and talent evaluator, widely respected by his peers within the NBA community," said Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler. "He has already demonstrated a level of decisiveness and acumen that has changed the trajectory of our organization, and we are delighted to have him lead our basketball operations for a very long time."
Saleh finished second in voting for Executive of the Year, losing to Celtics president Brad Stevens. The Philadelphia 76ers expressed interest in talking to Saleh for their head of basketball operations vacancy but the Hawks denied permission, sources said.
"I have such tremendous gratitude for the trust and partnership that the Resslers have shown me since my first day in Atlanta," Saleh said in a statement. "They have provided all the resources necessary for our front office to continue methodically building our program into one of the NBA's elite. It's an honor to lead this team, and I take seriously my responsibility to deliver for Hawks fans - I could not be more excited for what is ahead for our franchise."
Saleh has built a new Hawks core around rising star Jalen Johnson with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu. Alexander-Walker and Daniels are back-to-back Most Improved award winners. Saleh also traded for CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga this season.
The Hawks have flexibility this offseason armed with the No. 8 (acquired from New Orleans in a draft trade last year) and No. 23 overall picks in the first round in June's draft and five first-round picks available to be traded on draft night.
Saleh took over as Hawks general manager last offseason. He was hired by Atlanta in 2024 following executive stints in Golden State and San Antonio.