The Atlanta Hawks have been searching for a new President of Basketball Operations since firing Landry Fields and promoting Onsi Saleh to general manager. Based on a May 10 report from RG’s Grant Afseth, a surprising new candidate has emerged for Atlanta’s vacant front-office role.

Austin Brown, Trae Young’s agent, has gained serious consideration for a major executive role with the Hawks. The CAA representative has helped countless NBA stars ink deals over the last several years, and his strong connection to Young could make him an especially appealing candidate for Atlanta.

“Brown, who represents several NBA stars, including Hawks player Trae Young, is being considered for a top executive role in Atlanta’s front office, sources told RG,” Afseth wrote. “His client list includes Donovan Mitchell, Jaren Jackson Jr., OG Anunoby, Myles Turner, Jordan Poole, D’Angelo Russell, Nic Claxton, and Payton Pritchard.”

Through his extensive experience working with some of the league’s finest talents, Brown has become one of the most well-liked agents in the sports industry. He is a master at building close relationships with the players he represents, and his knowledge of the league’s ins and outs would serve him well in a front office role.

Last September, Brown talked to The Washington and Lee Magazine about what fuels his career and his impact on the athletes he represents.

“The most important thing in my career is being able to relate to people and be honest and transparent,” Brown said. “You meet people of all different walks of life, and you have to establish a rapport and have familiarity with them in a short timeframe. Real relationships in this business are hard. But that has always been at the forefront. That sets you up for success in any business.”

Brown’s relationship-building and business skills have landed him in the running for Atlanta’s next president of basketball operations, along with Masai Ujiri, Calvin Booth, and Monte McNair. While the hiring of someone like Ujiri could lead to Ice Trae’s departure from the Hawks, the 2024-25 assist champ and four-time All-Star would likely feel more inclined to stick around if his agent took on a significant role with the organization.

After barely missing out on the playoffs, the Hawks will have the No. 13 and No. 22 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. Atlanta has already been linked to recent NCAA champion Walter Clayton Jr. as a potential selection with one of its first-round picks. Clayton, who won Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament in March, could give the Hawks the true backup point guard they have been searching for to take some burden off of Young.

From the NBA Draft to their search for a new president of basketball operations, the Hawks have a potentially pivotal summer ahead of them.