The Indiana Pacers are reportedly aggressively pursuing a trade for Atlanta Hawks' point guard Jeff Teague. This news comes as the NBA trade deadline draws closer.
Larry Bird has been open about the fact that the Pacers are having trade discussions with multiple teams. Trading George Hill for Teague would be a huge step in the right direction for Indiana. It likely wouldn't make them a serious contender this season, but after a full offseason of work the Pacers could have a chance to contend for a title next year.
Hill has been the "Hometown Hero" for the Pacers since being acquired from the San Antonio Spurs. He has had a very good season this year, but Indiana obviously would look to get quicker and more dangerous offensively at the point guard position.
Both players have had big seasons so far in 2015-16, with Teague having a bit more of a productive season from a statistical standpoint. Hill has averaged 13.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season, while Teague has averaged 15.1 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Teague has shot 43.2 percent from the floor overall and has knocked down 40.9 percent from behind the three-point arc. Hill, on the other hand, has knocked down 45.1 percent of his attempts and put in 43.9 percent of his shots from behind the arc.
If this deal were to happen, the Pacers' desire to move to a faster paced offense would be much easier to accomplish. There are very few point guards in the NBA who are quicker than Teague and even fewer who can get to the rim like he is capable of doing.
Being aggressive in his pursuit of a big trade at the deadline is exactly what Bird needs to do for the Pacers.
All of that being said, this potential trade is something to keep an eye on over the next few days. Indiana is serious about acquiring Teague and Mike Budenholzer's San Antonio connection with George Hill could play a role as well. This trade could end up happening before the deadline.
What do you think about the Pacers potentially acquiring Teague from the Hawks? Let us know in the comment box below!
