Hawks assistant GM Michael Blackstone leaving team

Hawks assistant general manager Michael Blackstone is leaving his role with the organization, according to several people familiar with the situation.

Blackstone spent just one season with the Hawks.

Blackstone joined the Hawks from the Shapiro Negotiations Institute in Baltimore. He served as the executive vice president/sports practice director.

With the Hawks, Blackstone was responsible for managing player contract and trade negotiations, administration of the salary cap, directing the basketball operations staff and strategy.

Blackstone spent three years (2010-13) as the executive director of basketball operations for the Cavaliers.

The Hawks recently promoted Jeff Peterson to the role of assistant general manager from director of scouting.

The Hawks are parting ways with Jim Pfeifer, the vice president of revenue integration, and Naya-Joi Martin, the team’s manager of player programs.