Dominique Wilkins looking to buy the Atlanta Hawks, per report

Former Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins is "extremely interested" in becoming his former team's next owner according to a report by TMZ Sports.

Multiple NBA sources tell us ... Dominique is "extremely interested" in becoming the next owner of the Hawks -- and has already been pre-approved for ownership by the NBA.

We're told Wilkins -- who has amassed his own small fortune over the years -- has partnered up with a "very well-known businessman" who believes Wilkins would be the best person to lead the Hawks back to NBA glory.

Wilkins was very vocal during the Donald Sterling situation with the NBA but he has been silent so far in relation to the Hawks scandal. Wilkins tweeted on Sunday that he would release a statement soon. He reiterated that promise again on Tuesday.

Wilkins is legend on the court and off for the Hawks and in many ways is still the face of the franchise. He has been the team's vice president of basketball since 2004 and is a color commentator on their television broadcasts.

Hawks CEO Steve Koonin told the AJC that he had taken calls from potential buyers but no names have surfaced as of yet.