NBA Free Agent Rumors: Jeff Teague Frustrated with Atlanta Hawks

Apr 27, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) reacts after a foul and falling on his elbow in the first half during game three in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Frustration. It’s the cause a feeling of helplessness and/or exclusion from a decision or situation. You and I feel it on a daily basis, but I wager you do not make as much as the people you watch running up and down an NBA court.

Jeffrey DeMarco Teague has felt this before in his professional career. He was drafted 21st overall and watched from the bench for the majority of first two seasons with the Hawks, spanning the coaching careers of Mike Woodson and Larry Drew. He knew what he brought to the table, as was evident in his play across from the reigning MVP Derrick Rose in the 2011 Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

And now Jeff Teague seems to be frustrated with the organization again.

This has not been a new practice. Back in 2008, Josh Smith was told to go out and find his own deal as a restricted free-agent, rather than the Hawks extend an initial offer. Only then would his fate in Atlanta be decided. In the end, he signed an offer sheet from Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta matched it. Through the duration of that five-year extension, Smith reportedly had some qualms with upper management. His days in Atlanta were certainly numbered. Though those are the standard protocols of restricted free agency, it’s a seemingly heartless process.

And now Teague has sought out the organization that hired his old coach, Larry Drew, and signed a four-year, $32 million offer sheet with the Milwaukee Bucks. Atlanta has until Saturday night to match the contract or let him flee to the land of breweries and cheeseheads.

The tweets have come rolling in about Teague’s camps feeling with this whole process, including this one from Marc Spears of Yahoo!:

Even more damning have been those of the AJC’s Atlanta Hawks beat writer Chris Vivlamore:

This is somewhat reminiscent to what Eric Gordon went through last season after signing a maximum offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns.He gave many quotes to the media about his desire to play in Arizona, only to see New Orleans match the four-year offer. Such is the plight of a millionaire restricted free agent basketball player.

Should Teague be as discontented as it sounds, the Hawks would be in somewhat of a bind. If the offer is deemed too team-friendly to pass up, the Hawks could sign Teague and look to deal him if he remains a malcontent in the locker room. Atlanta cannot deal him to any team for the first three months of the regular-season, and cannot trade him to Milwaukee for a full 12 months.

Teague’s record as the starting point guard has been spotty, but he’s just now entering the prime of his career at the age of 25. He possibly isn’t pleased with the prospect of Dennis Schröder on his heels as the future ball-handler of this organization either.

Rumors have linked the Hawks with many non-Teague free-agent point guards, not limited to but including Mo Williams, Brandon Jennings and even Monta Ellis. If the Hawks choose not to match the offer, they would have to look elsewhere for a starting point guard. They could easily stay in Wisconsin and take a chance on Jennings or Ellis, though both would bring the baggage of shooting efficiency troubles.

There is no easy way out of this situations for all parties. Relationships seem to have been strained. It may be time for Teague and the Hawks to go their separate ways.

An answer will begin to emerge in less than 48 hours.

Check back for updates.

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