Pacers' Teague eyes fresh start after losing 'tug-of-war' with Hawks' Schroder
Jeff Teague couldn't be happier to be going home - for more reasons than one.
With one year and $8 million remaining on his contract, the Atlanta Hawks traded the point guard to the Indiana Pacers in a three-team deal on June 22.
In doing so, Atlanta chose to move forward with Dennis Schroder running the point. Teague, who's only played for the Hawks over his seven-year career, saw it coming.
"I knew that it was coming to an end," the 28-year old told Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. "I could feel it. I knew they were going into a different direction and could tell it wasn't with me. But I accepted it."
Teague was one of four Hawks who made the All-Star team in 2015 during a season in which they won 60 games. This past season, however, he saw less time on the floor as the 22-year-old Schroder's role increased.
"I would say that it made the year harder," Teague said. "I felt like we could've played more together, that we could've been a really dynamic two guys who could shoot and penetrate and do it all. But it became a tug-of-war based on who was playing better."
Related: Schroder tweets happiness over Teague trade
Teague isn't holding any grudges, though. In fact, the Indianapolis native is thrilled to be joining the Pacers, whom he's long dreamed of representing.
"I always wanted to play for the Pacers," he said, as quoted by IndyStar's Nate Taylor. "To have an opportunity like this is big for me. I'm trying to make the most of this year and, hopefully, be here a long time."
Teague echoed team president Larry Bird's desire to work out a long-term deal to keep him in his hometown beyond next season.
"I would love to spend the rest of my career here," the 6-foot-2 guard said. "This is the best basketball city. I just love this city. I've been a Pacers fan for years and now my dream has come true."
Teague, whose left arm features a host of Indianapolis-themed tattoos, added he's excited to play with Paul George and the rest of the group under new head coach Nate McMillan. He's the pure point guard that Bird sought, and he'll pick up where George Hill - who was shipped to the Utah Jazz in the same transaction - left off.
The Pacers finished with a 45-37 record this past season and were eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Raptors. They've also added Al Jefferson, Thaddeus Young, and Jeremy Evans this offseason.