I guess that Larry Drew talk was premature: Atlanta general manager Billy Knight told the assistant coach he's not getting out of his contract with the Hawks for a lateral move.

Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the story. Both Drew and fellow Hawks assistant David Fizdale received permission from Knight to interview for assistant positions with Sacramento and Cleveland, respectively. Only when they got the jobs did Knight say 'no.'

While it's a lateral move in job title and likely salary, Drew had good reason to pursue the Sacramento job beyond his friendship with Reggie Theus.

BILLY KNIGHT IS TEARING FAMILIES APART!I have a feeling Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson has something to do with this. He's pretty much a lame duck going into the season. He can't want to have to bring in a new set of assistants for one year, knowing they might all be canned next summer. I'm thinking Knight gave the coaches permission, Woodson shierked, and Knight pulled the reins and took the heat. (And there is heat to be taken.)

The Sacramento Bee's Sam Amick talked to Theus about it. Reggie manages to stay cool, though you imagine he's seriously pissed.

Final twist: Theus, Drew, Woodson and Knight were all teammates on the Kansas City Kings from 1983-85. Do we need Cotton Fitzsimmons to mediate?