The Atlanta Hawks remain contenders in the Eastern Conference, but they are clearly not the threat they were at this point last year. The team has struggled with consistency while injuries and quality depth appear to be a problem. As a result, trade rumors are surfacing around the team as many believe the Hawks could get active at the deadline.
Much of the frustration for Atlanta appears to be centering around Jeff Teague who is not playing like the All-Star he was last season. According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, Teague is coming up in trade talks as the Hawks are reportedly listening to offers for the point guard. Wojnarowski was quick to say the Hawks are not "shopping" Teague, so it is unclear just how serious the interest in a trade is. Moving Teague at the deadline would mean a major shakeup for Atlanta. Teague is supposed to be the franchise point guard. Last season there were sweatshirts made for him that read "Big League Teage." However, frustration is high and the point guard knows it as he blames injuries for his issues.
"I'm dealing with an ankle injury," Teague said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "That's OK. I'll be back. I'm on the team. I'm here. It's a team game. I'm a competitor. I want to be on the floor. It is what it is."
Trading Teague would mean Dennis Schroder is the starter. Schroder might have the better numbers right now, but neither point guard is really lighting it up. However, the win against the Denver Nuggets showed what the Hawks can look like when both players are excelling on the court. If Atlanta can get more of that, trades will not be necessary.
One player that is going nowhere in the short-term and potentially the long-term is Al Horford. The center is the best asset the Hawks have considering his expiring contract and great play. However, Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com reports the Hawks merely laughed at the idea of trading Horford at the deadline. The center called off contract negotiations heading into the season, but that does not mean his time with the Hawks is coming to an end. His value to the team is simply too high to let him go now or later.
The Hawks lack assets to get any trades done. The team is getting almost nothing from Tim Hardaway Jr who they acquired with their first pick in the NBA Draft. That has been deemed a waste. Mike Muscala could be an option along with Shelvin Mack or even Mike Scott. However, chances are high the Hawks keep the same roster in place after the deadline passes.
