NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Pushing To Acquire Hawks’ Jeff Teague
With the 2016 NBA trade deadline only two days away, rumors are starting to come full circle regarding some of most talked-about players over the past few months. While Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin have been connected to numerous teams recently, much of the speculation has been denied by team officials. Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague has also been involved in various trade discussions as of late, but it seems as though there is a real chance that he could be moved by Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the New York Knicks are in desperate need of a point guard. While veteran point guard Jose Calderon provides a solid veteran presence, he is not exactly a playmaker at 34-years-old. In a little over 27 minutes per game, Calderon is averaging 7.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. While those numbers are fine for a veteran backup, the Knicks are looking for a guy who can make Carmelo Anthony and rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis better.
Knicks Still Trying to Trade for Jeff Teague https://t.co/sPnR0m9F1D @danfavale
— Anklesnap (@anklesnap) February 16, 2016
While the Knicks are a below-average team, they still have a chance to make the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference. With a record of 23-32, the team is still only five games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth and final playoff spot. While they would still have to pass three other teams, the Knicks have a legitimate chance to get in if they can turn things around.
Even though the Atlanta Hawks are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they feel as though it is time to blow the team up and start fresh with draft picks and young players. At 27-years-old, Jeff Teague could be the perfect fit for the Knicks this season and beyond. He is averaging 15.1 points per game, 5.5 assists per game, and 2.7 rebounds per game. His is also shooting a career-best 40.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The Knicks still hope to trade for Jeff Teague, sources tell @ESPNSteinLine & @WindhorstESPN. More here: https://t.co/ZspNE7GSCY
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 16, 2016
While the Knicks have apparently wanted Teague for a while, they did not have the assets at the time to make it happen. With the deadline only two days away and the Hawks looking to unload their veterans, the price may have gone down. According to ESPN, the Knicks are still trying to get the deal done before Thursday.
“That won’t stop the Knicks from trying. New York still hopes to pry Teague from Atlanta at some point before Thursday’s trade deadline.”
The problem that may arise is the fact that the Knicks may have to find a team to take on Calderon in a potential deal. While he does provide veteran leadership that would fit right in with any championship team, he is owed a lot of money next year, as ESPN reports.
“The Knicks, who also strongly covet Teague in their search for a front-line point guard, are trying their best to get a team interested in Jose Calderon and the $7.7 million owed to the Spaniard next season. Sources say New York is talking up Calderon’s leadership qualities and, in some cases, offering to include big man Kyle O’Quinn to sweeten proposals.”
Since the Knicks do not have a pick in the first round until 2018, it is going to be even more difficult to put together a package that will get the deal done. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Carmelo Anthony has also been involved in trade rumors, but he recently said the speculation is false. Regardless, conflicting reports are coming out regarding the New York Knicks’ plans. Are they looking to trade Anthony and rebuild around Porzingis, or do they believe that they can still compete with Anthony?
NBA trade rumors will likely continue to involve Jeff Teague and the New York Knicks until Thursday’s deadline. With the Hawks looking to start from scratch and the Knicks desperately wanting to compete this season, there is a chance that Phil Jackson can pull something off in the next few days and get the deal done.
[Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]
