The Atlanta Hawks were serious about the reports that surfaced regarding potential trade deals for the team. Reports are starting to surface about negotiations the Hawks were making up until the trade deadline and while their asking prices were high for players, their intentions could be hints to what the offseason might bring for the team.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer, the 76ers made a huge offer to the Atlanta Hawks for backup point guard Dennis Schroder. The package included Nik Stauskas, Ish Smith and a 2016 first-round draft pick. The Hawks turned it down. Atlanta was looking for big trades and they certainly got offers, but the 76ers put the biggest package in front of the Hawks and they rejected it. Does that mean Schroder is being viewed as the point guard of the future?
Schroder has a club option for 2016 that has already been exercised. He will then become a restricted free agent in 2017. The Hawks have the option of a $3.8 million qualifying offer for Schroder that year, but according to Pompey, the 76ers already want to give the point guard a max contract. At 22, Schroder's potential in the NBA is high and the Hawks know it. While it is unclear what the team intends to do with him, they were not ready to give him up just yet.
So where does that leave Jeff Teague? The point guard is not looking like "Big League Teague" like he was last year. However, he is still considered a franchise player at this point. But, if the Hawks struggle in the postseason or do not make it at all, that could change. The Hawks tried to trade Teague at the deadline. According to Dave Aldridge of NBA.com, the Hawks offered Teague to the Milwaukee Bucks for Kris Middleton. That was rejected. The Hawks could try to revisit the deal in the offseason.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks will come calling to Atlanta again in the offseason. The team may or may not land someone like Mike Conley in free agency and could turn their attention to Teague. If the Hawks feel Schroder is the point guard of the future for the team, dealing Teague could be an option the franchise explores. With Al Horford needs a new contract, trading Teague frees up space while allowing Schroder to take over.
