The impending sale of the Atlanta Hawks to California businessman Alex Meruelo may be in jeopardy, according to a report by ESPN NBA writer Marc Stein. The downside to this development is that Hawks fans would once again be subjected to a year under the Atlanta Spirit Group.
The ASG has gone to great lengths to maintain the status quo with the Hawks the past few seasons. They have focused on re-signing core pieces while maintaining a commitment to keep the team in the playoffs. Despite numerous reports suggesting that the Hawks franchise was for sale, the ASG often denied such talk. That talk can't be denied anymore, and the embattled group would likely just look for another buyer if the Meruelo sale falls through.
That means another season of no change and no direction. What will take place is just maintaining what is already there until another potential buyer comes along and sees an opportunity to remake the franchise using his vision. The cupboard isn't bare with the Hawks, but the clock is ticking on this group, and finances dictate that a significant roster move be made sooner rather than later.