Report: Budenholzer an early candidate to coach Raptors

The Toronto Raptors fired head coach Dwane Casey after seven seasons on Friday, and reportedly already have a candidate to replace him.

Former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer is "expected to get a close inspection" for the Raptors job, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Budenholzer and the Hawks mutually agreed to part ways last month, shortly after the team wrapped a 24-58 season in the first year of a rebuild. He's also considered a front-runner for the Milwaukee Bucks' vacant head coaching position.

Before this past season, Budenholzer led the Hawks to the playoffs in each of his first four years at the helm. He compiled a 213-197 record overall, and in 2014-15 was named NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Hawks to a franchise-record 60 wins and the first conference finals berth in team history.

Prior to being hired by Atlanta in 2013, Budenholzer spent 17 years as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs.