Report: Atlanta interested in Spurs’ VP Danny Ferry

Feb 11, 2010; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) receives his USA Olympic jersey from Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry prior to the start of the game against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Miller-US PRESSWIRE

The Atlanta Hawks have spoken with Spurs’ vice president of basketball operations Danny Ferry for their vacant general manager position, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com.

Broussard noted that that current GM Rick Sund will either become a consultant with Atlanta or move to another team when his contract runs out June 30.

The Philadelphia 76ers have already spoken to Ferry about their GM position. Ferry would replace Rod Thorn, though Doug Collins may interject on basketball moves.

Atlanta would appear to be the more favorable destination considering Ferry would have the flexibility to create the team he wanted without another influential basketball voice complicating matters.

The only problem? Atlanta remains hamstrung by Joe Johnson’s six-year/$119 million contract. Johnson is set to earn approximately $19.8 million this season according to HoopsHype. His contract won’t expire until after the 2015-16 season. Collectively, Atlanta has nearly $61 million guaranteed to six players. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has about $51 million guaranteed to six players.