The Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks have one thing in common, Larry Drew. The head coach was released by the Hawks in the offseason after leading the team to three straight playoff seasons and was almost immediately hired by the Bucks. That connection could lead to a sign-and-trade deal making both teams very happy. The player swap being targeted surrounds point guards Jeff Teague and Brandon Jennings.
ESPN.com reports the Hawks and Bucks have discussed a sign-and-trade deal that would send restricted free agent Teague to Milwaukee in exchange for Jennings. Drew was extremely found of Teague's playing abilities when the two were in Atlanta together and is hopeful to bring him to the Bucks in the right deal.
The Hawks were first reported to be in the lead to land Monta Ellis from the Bucks. The have reportedly offered him a deal, but something in the short-term range. Ellis has his sights set on landing a long-term deal even if it is for less money, making things with the Hawks complicated. If a deal can get worked out for Jennings, Atlanta will pull back their offer to Ellis.
Ellis and Jennings did not function well together in the backcourt last season. Both struggled to establish their role with the team leading Milwaukee ready to dump at least one point guard in the offseason. Teague would be cheaper than Jennings while offering the same amount of production. Teague averaged 14.6 points and 7.2 assists with the Hawks while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Jennings averaged 17.5 points, shooting 39.9 percent from the field.
Drew is the driving force behind this deal happening. Jennings at one point looked ready to return to the Bucks and return to have a better season than 2012.
"I definitely want to do more for the city and the franchise. I want to make the playoffs and get out of the first round and become and All-Star for the Bucks," Jennings said earlier in the offseason.
If Drew has his way, Jennings can make still make all those statements come true, just with the Atlanta Hawks and not the Bucks. Milwaukee made Jennings a restricted free agent, but if negotiations escalate, the point guard will be headed down to Atlanta.