Onsi Saleh got an extension and promotion from the Atlanta Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks announced on Wednesday that Onsi Saleh has been promoted to president of basketball operations.
The Hawks also signed Saleh to a long-term contract extension.
Atlanta denied the Philadelphia 76ers permission to interview Saleh. The 76ers fired president Daryl Morey after the team was swept in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the New York Knicks.
Bob Myers, the former Golden State Warriors general manager, is leading the search for Morey's replacement and he had his eyes on Saleh. Myers and Saleh worked together in Golden State.
Saleh joined the Hawks in May 2024 as assistant general manager. He was promoted to general manager in April 2025.
Saleh was named runner-up for the NBA's 2025-26 Basketball Executive of the Year Award. He earned 41 total points (one first-place vote, 10 second-place votes and six third-place votes).
Saleh's Hawks went 46-36 this season. They made the playoffs but lost to the Knicks in the first round in six games.
"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," Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler said. "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."
"I have such tremendous gratitude for the trust and partnership that the Resslers have shown me since my first day in Atlanta," Saleh said. "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."
In the post-Trae Young era, Atlanta is building around Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Johnson made his first All-Star team this year, Daniels won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award last season and Alexander-Walker won it this season.
The Hawks made two blockbuster trades this season. They traded Young to the Washington Wizards and sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Warriors.
Saleh acquired Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum from Washington and Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield from Golden State.
Atlanta enters the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks (No. 8 and No. 23), in addition to the No. 57 pick. The Hawks are the only playoff team to secure a top-10 pick in this year's draft.
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