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The Portland Trail Blazers have rebuffed a request by the Atlanta Hawks to speak to President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey about their vacant GM position, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
According to Wojnarowski, Portland was firm on its position.
Sources: Atlanta requested the opportunity to talk with Portland GM Neil Olshey about its vacant GM job, but was denied permission.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) May 19, 2017
Hawks search is ongoing, but probing on Olshey shows a possible willingness to spend significant money for elite executives. https://t.co/AmjckNXpr8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) May 19, 2017
Atlanta tried to take a big swing for Olshey, Portland's President of Basketball Operations. Blazers ownership didn't budge. https://t.co/85JCsIGPPe
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) May 19, 2017
Earlier this month the Hawks re-assigned former GM Wes Wilcox, leaving their top front office position vacant.
Three days ago, Wojnarowski suggested that the Hawks were also considering former champion guard Chauncey Billups for the role.
Olshey joined the Blazers in 2012 before drafting Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard and Will Barton with the sixth, 11th, and 40th picks respectively.
In January of 2015, Olshey signed a contract extension changing his title from General Manager to President of Basketball Operations, handing him a more comprehensive role in the Portland front office.
The Hawks change of leadership could be the result of rumors across the league that the team is ready to re-build this summer.