Even though the Atlanta Hawks aren’t the juggernaut they were last season, they’re still firmly among the best teams in the Eastern Conference. That could change soon, as the Hawks are reportedly looking to deal one of either Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder.
Hawks had been soliciting offers for Teague or Dennis Schroder, per rival execs. Though recently they have focused more on Teague.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 27, 2016
Teague’s averaging 14.3 points and 5.6 assists per game with a 52.2 true shooting percentage, all of which are lower than last year’s All-Star season.
The Hawks are in a bit of a precarious position with their point guards. Both Teague and Schroder’s contracts are up in 2017, though Schroder will be a restricted free agent. Perhaps the Hawks, worried both by Teauge’s decline and the potential to lose him for nothing, are trying to capitalize on his stock right now before it dips any lower.
Despite his recent regression, Teague is still among the league’s best point guards. Atlanta, if they’re truly intent on dealing him, probably won’t have any problems finding a suitor. Trade season usually ramps up right about now, and several teams have reportedly already called the Hawks regarding Teague’s services.
The Knicks are one of several teams who have talked to Atlanta about a trade for point guard Jeff Teague, league sources tell ESPN. (1/2).
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 27, 2016
One thing to note on Teague: he is slated to make $8 million in 2016-17. So a trade for Teague would impact NYK's cap space for this summer.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 27, 2016
If the Hawks do trade Teague this year, they’ll likely take a step back in the standings. Schroder’s undeniably talented, and his per 36 minute numbers are mostly terrific: 18.3 points, 8 assists and 4.7 rebounds (though the 3.5 turnovers aren’t too pleasing). His net rating, 10.8, is also the highest of any regular contributor on the team. However, he’s had issues running the offense consistently for big minutes, and even received back-to-back DNPs on Dec. 29 and Jan. 1. He’s also only ranked in the 30th percentile (below average) in points per possession ending in a shot, foul or turnover, per Synergy.
Though he looks to be out of the dog house now, Mike Budenholzer wouldn’t have benched Schroder if his numbers were wholly indicative of how well he was playing — or following the directions of the coach. Despite this, if the Hawks are indeed looking to trade Teague, it appears as if they’re comfortable handing over the keys to the younger and cheaper (at least for now) Schroder.
Earlier in the summer, Schroder made his desire to start well-known, telling the German magazine Bild that if he doesn’t get the opportunity in Atlanta, he’ll look elsewhere. He may not have to look far at all.
