The New York Knicks are focused on quick fixes rather than thinking about the future. The team is in desperation mode as the losses stack up. Currently sitting two games out of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Knicks are trying to make a trade that makes sense for the now and not later. With struggling play at the guard spot, they have targeted Jeff Teague as an option.
ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that Knicks have taken interest in Atlanta Hawks guard Teague. The Knicks have been searching for help since the play of Raymond Felton continues to fall this season. He is only averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 assists per game, not helping New York one bit.
There are several issues when it comes to trying to acquire Teague. The Hawks matched an offer sheet for Teague back in the offseason, meaning he has the right of first refusal on any potential trade deal. So the guard must be interested in joining New York over Atlanta who is actually stringing together some wins. Teague also owns the rights to his long-term deal which could hurt the Knicks in the long run.
New York has made it known that they intend to make a run at several free agents over the next two seasons including Kevin Love and Rajon Rondo on top of Carmelo Anthony's new deal. Teague is owed $8 million per season over the next three years. That type of money will eat right into the Knicks' salary cap plans. While he is a great guard, is he worth risking the future on?
New York could try and escalate a trade, but Teague is Atlanta's best player and will not come cheap. The team traded away all first-round draft picks for the next three years. A player like Iman Shumpert will not be enough for a player swap. Atlanta could ask for Tim Hardaway Jr., but he is the lone youth of the Knicks and giving him away would hurt.
Teague is certainly an upgrade. The Knicks are not going to land Kenneth Faried or Kyle Lowry, but targeting a marquee guy like Teague seems like even more of a long shot.
