After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games.
[7][8][9][10][11] However, on January 6, 1999, NBA commissioner David Stern, and NBPA director Billy Hunter finally reached an agreement to end the lockout.
[12][13][14][15][16] The Hawks continued to split their home games between the Georgia Dome, and the Alexander Memorial Coliseum for the second consecutive season.
[17] In the off-season, the team signed free agents LaPhonso Ellis,[18][19][20] second-year guard Anthony Johnson and re-signed former Hawks forward Grant Long.
[27][45] Following the season, Smith and second-year guard Ed Gray were both traded to the Portland Trail Blazers,[46][47][48][49] while Blaylock was traded to the Golden State Warriors after seven seasons in Atlanta,[50][51][52][53] Long signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Grizzlies,[54][55] and Tyrone Corbin re-signed with the Sacramento Kings.