The Atlanta Hawks have matched the Milwaukee Bucks 4 year $32 million offer sheet given to Jeff Teague. The move keeps the restricted free agent in Atlanta where he has spent his entire 4 year NBA career.
Teague, 25-years-old, was originally drafted 19th overall by the Hawks in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Wake Forrest and has developped into a quality starting point guard for the team. Last season Teague put up 14.2 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for Atlanta.
Teague had indicated that he hoped that Atlanta would not match Milwaukee’s offer. Teague was hoping to join former Hawks coach Larry Drew who was recently hired by the Bucks. However, Hawks GM Danny Ferry decided against losing his point guard and instead matched what is a very fair offer for a player of Teague’s talent level.
“He has improved each year of his career and continues to get better,” said Hawks general manager Danny Ferry. “At 25, he’s already been a key contributor on a playoff team and we look forward to seeing him develop into even more of a leader on our team.”
New Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer added that Teague has “A high level of talent,” and, “Keeping him with our group allows us to continue to build and improve going forward.”
Atlanta has had a busy off-season, losing Josh Smith to Detroit, but adding Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll.
The Bucks meanwhile must look elsewhere for a new point guard. Last year’s starter Brandon Jennings remains a restricted free agent, and today’s news with Jeff Teague may lead to his return to Milwaukee.
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