It looks like the Larry Drew era in Milwaukee could begin with at least one familiar face on the team. As the team prepares to part ways with Monta Ellis, they are looking to gain point guard Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks. Drew's connection with Teague makes him a likely candidate to kick off a new year for the Bucks.
According to ESPN.com, the Bucks have prepared an offer sheet for the restricted free agent that the Hawks can choose to match. The offer sheet is likely to be rather large which means the Bucks will either amnesty Drew Gooden or get rid of Ellis and Brandon Jennings.
It was reported earlier in the week that the Bucks and the Hawks have been in negotiations to work out a sign-and-trade deal involving Teague and Jennings. If the offer sheet is in place like reporter Marc Stein says, it could trigger more discussions about the player swap if Atlanta agrees to it.
Milwaukee has not been thrilled with either Jennings or Ellis, resulting in both players likely out before next season. The Hawks have considered both players as an option but have since set their sights on Jennings more than Ellis. Both point guards struggled to find their role with the Bucks last season, turning out poor production. While Jennings has said he has unfinished business in Milwaukee and would like to stay with the team, that is looking less likely to happen.
Drew was extremely fond of Teague while the two were paired together in Atlanta. Last season, Teague registered 14.6 points per game with 7.2 assists on 45.1 percent shooting. Jennings on the other hand put up 17.5 points per game and 6.5 assists.
To make matters even more complicated in this point guard frenzy, Stein reported the Hawks are also considering Mo Williams at the point guard position. Williams and Hawks general manager Danny Ferry have history together after their time in Cleveland. Atlanta could easily get him at a cheaper price if things get too complicated with Milwaukee. The Hawks are also in the running to land Andrew Bynum, making Williams the better choice.
The point guard situation between these two teams is a mess. Ellis is likely headed elsewhere to a team not named the Hawks or the Bucks. If Atlanta gives in, Teague will sign Milwaukee's offer sheet. The question remains if Brandon Jennings ends up heading to Atlanta or if the team takes Williams and Bynum instead. The Hawks have three days to counter the offer sheet.
