New York Knicks News Mix, 5/15/17: NBA Execs Rip Phil Jackson on Melo Drama
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks could be losing a member of their front office to the Atlanta Hawks vacant general manager position.

The Atlanta Hawks had a big shakeup in their front office this summer and a New York Knicks executive could be on his way to Atlanta to help shore things up.

Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports that Director of Player Personnel Mark Hughes is a candidate for the vacant general manager position.

Via Begley:

Hughes, a veteran executive with the organization since 2007, has been one of the key figures in the Knicks’ recent draft success, which includes Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Channing Frye and Danilo Gallinari. The Knicks, of course, have made some poor picks in that span but have been largely successful in the draft. The Hawks’ interest in Hughes – and the Knicks’ granting permission for an interview – was first reported by The Vertical. Hughes was a co-captain of the 1989 National Championship team at Michigan and has coaching experience as an NBA assistant and CBA head coach.

New York’s drafting success is the only thing they have to brag about lately. It would hurt Phil Jackson and Steve Mills to lose anyone who is a key member in their draft process.

Hughes was an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic and the Sacramento Kings before starting his tenure with the Knicks. He’s probably a long shot for the job.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, other contenders are current Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin and former Detroit Pistons GM, Joe Dumars. Those are a couple of big names to compete with.

I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.