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But at the end of the season Ferry took a different approach by keeping Drew under contract for the time being and allowing him to pursue other jobs. "It's very awkward but I appreciate that he (Ferry) was honest with me and that he allowed me to talk to other teams," Drew said. "It possibly may circle back to me. "But I want to explore my options as well. . . . I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach here in Atlanta. But if not, I want to continue coaching. I love coaching and I love dealing with players. "If it doesn't work out (in Atlanta), I'm not going to be bitter or angry." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Drew has been with the Hawks for the last nine seasons, six as an assistant under Mike Woodson before getting the top job. Drew said he is very familiar with the Bucks' personnel and the free-agency situation affecting the team's backcourt this summer. The Hawks swept all four games from the Bucks this season, including three games decided by five points or fewer. "We certainly had some battles," Drew said. "We knew they were going to be grind-out games and we were able to make some plays to come out with wins." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Woodson, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Jamal Franklin sprained the ankle May 4 while working out in Las Vegas. Elfus said the protective boot is precautionary and Franklin should be full speed within a week. His first workout is expected to be June 3 at Dallas. Other teams in the mix: Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland and Milwaukee. UTSanDiego

Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Draft, Workouts, Jamal Franklin 

Larry Drew is preparing to part ways with the Hawks and will interview for the head coach position with the Bucks Monday. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Drew told the Atlanta Journal Constitution Friday that in a meeting with general manager Danny Ferry earlier this week the two came to an amicable agreement to allow the coach to interview for other vacant positions in the league. The Bucks called Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract until June 30, and they were granted permission. “I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew told the AJC. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

The door is not completely closed on Drew returning to coach the Hawks were he spent the past nine years, the last three as head coach. “There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry is giving significant consideration to hiring the first European-born head coach in NBA history, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Ettore Messina, the Italian-born coach of CSKA Moscow, is among the top candidates to replace coach Larry Drew. Ferry and Messina have had contact about the possibility, and Messina is intrigued with the chance to be a global trail blazer in the NBA, sources told Y! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Russia, Larry Drew, Ettore Messina, CSKA Moscow 

Atlanta's top target, Stan Van Gundy, is a long shot to accept the job, league sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Stan Van Gundy 

The Hawks have interviewed Stan Van Gundy and Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer for their yet-to-be vacant head coach position. Each has previously been described as a candidate for the position held by Larry Drew until June 30 when his contract expires. However the AJC has learned that Van Gundy and Budenholzer have been interviewed by general manager Danny Ferry. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Stan Van Gundy, Larry Drew, Mike Budenholzer 

I am told that there are others who have been officially interviewed. How many and who they are remains a secret. Ferry is keeping his coaching search extremely close to the vest and has repeated declined to speak specifically about the process. I am told that process, which still could result in a new contract for Drew, is in the middle stages. Ferry, along with several others from the Hawks front office, are in Chicago this week for the NBA Scouting Combine. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching 

Rated by most as the top point guard in the 2013 NBA draft, Trey Burke said he's already had interviews with the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans this week at the NBA draft combine. Booth Newspapers

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, Draft, Trey Burke 

Chris Mannix: Bucknell's Mike Muscala says he is only scheduled to interview w/two teams: Sacramento and Atlanta. Says he will do "9 or 10" workouts after Twitter @ChrisMannixSI

Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Draft, Mike Muscala 

Nate McMillan interviewed for the Atlanta Hawks' coaching job on Wednesday, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Nate McMillan 

Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry is going through the unorthodox process of conducting a coaching search while his current coach, Larry Drew, remains under contract until June 30. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Larry Drew 

Ferry has repeatedly praised the job Drew did while leading a team that had numerous players with expiring contracts. Despite the uncertainty, the Hawks made their sixth straight playoff appearance, though they were knocked out in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. That said, Ferry wants to make sure he's got the right guy on the sideline with massive roster changes looming this summer. "I have great appreciation and respect for Larry and how he led our team this season," Ferry said in a statement. "At the same time, it is my responsibility and in the best interests of the Hawks organization to consider all our options, and talk with other potential head coaches, before making a decision about who will lead our basketball team." NBA.com

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

And the Hawks likely won’t allow Josh Smith to walk without compensation. To attract more suitors, the club likely will offer Smith on sign-and-trade deals. However, Smith is seeking the maximum, and interested teams may decrease. Boston Globe

Atlanta Hawks, Trade, Josh Smith 

With your situation (unrestricted free agent), is it safe to say you want to be back? Zaza Pachulia: How can’t I. I’ve been here eight years and I call Atlanta home. You guys know the relationship between me and fans. I would love to be back again. I’ve been in this situation, this is my third time being free agent and we all understand that this is a business. We’ll see when July comes and we’ll see what offers I get from what teams. I hope Atlanta will be one of them. How do you handle the uncertainty? Zaza Pachulia: I feel very confident. Not only for this year but for 10 years I’ve been playing in the NBA. Teams know me. So my main focus honestly is to take care of this foot and start working out and get back in shape. The goal is to obviously be the best shape possible for next training camp. This is something that concerns me more than free agency honestly. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Zaza Pachulia 

Is there any way you are allowing it to go through your mind that you won’t return here for a quote home-town discount? Zaza Pachulia: Again, I hope so. I really hope so. I totally understand that the Atlanta Hawks have so much work to do this summer. (There are) so many free agents and key players and the coaching staff. It’s hard to say anything. Once time goes you’ll have a better idea of the big picture but right now it’s very, very hard to say from my standpoint and from their standpoint as well. I totally understand. I have reason not to think about it because of my foot. Right now the focus is to get back on track. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Zaza Pachulia 

Atlanta coach Larry Drew is awaiting his fate, but with the Hawks having eight free agents, expect GM Danny Ferry to make wholesale changes. And the Hawks likely will not allow Josh Smith to walk without compensation. To atract more suitors, the club likely will offer Smith on sign-and-trade deals. However, Smith is seeking the maximum, and interested teams may decrease. Boston Globe

Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Trade, Josh Smith 

The Hawks have already talked to several candidates including former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. Ferry is hoping to meet with Van Gundy in the near future. Yahoo! Sports first reported the Hawks' interest in Van Gundy. However, sources said, Van Gundy has told several teams who have reached out to him recently that he currently is not planning on coaching next season. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Stan Van Gundy