NBA Notes: Ferry, Hawks in talks for GM job

Thursday's NBA draft is drawing nearer. The Sixers recently hosted six big men in pre-draft workouts (see story).

Here's a look at some other stories across the league:

Ferry's focus on Atlanta
It could be time to cross Danny Ferry off of the list of potential replacements for Sixers general manager Rod Thorn. According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Ferry is engaged in "serious talks" toward completing a deal to become the Atlanta Hawks' GM.

The report says Ferry has had "extensive talks" with the Sixers, including a meeting with ownership in Philadelphia two weeks ago, but has since shifted his focus strongly toward the Hawks' job. Like Thorn, Atlanta GM Rick Sund is considering retirement.

Ferry served as the GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2010. The Cavs won at least 45 games and made the playoffs each year during Ferry's tenure, with his most notable moves being trades for Mo Williams, Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison.

Bulls shopping key pieces?
Apparently, losing to the Sixers may have sparked the Chicago Bulls into making roster changes. Without superstar Derrick Rose, Chicago couldn't handle the eighth-seeded Sixers in the 2012 playoffs.

Now, as the draft approaches, The New York Daily news reports the Bulls are seeking a trade that would shakeup their roster. As Pro Basketball Talk points out, the Bulls could look to trade away Loul Deng or Joakim Noah in exchange for a lottery pick and a trade exception.

The move would free up cap space and allow the Bulls to re-sign Omer Asik and Taj Gibson.

Both Deng and Noah were key pieces for Chicago. Deng was the second scoring option after Rose at 15.3 points per game. Noah averaged a near double-double at 10.2 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game.

If a move was made, it would dramatically re-shape the Bulls' roster.

Deron Williams narrows wish-list
For a while, it has been a common assumption that free-agent Deron Williams would likely end up in Brooklyn or Dallas.

Now you can take that assumption to the bank, according to Marc Stein of ESPN New York (via PBT).

While the decision between the Nets and Mavericks is still not made, those are the only two teams with a shot.

Brooklyn can offer the star point guard the most money and a chance to play in the mecca of basketball.

Dallas, however, offers a more complete roster and a safer bet at having supporting pieces. The Nets are counting on being able to trade for Orlando center Dwight Howard.

Free agency begins July 1, and the Williams saga may be the biggest story.