Two of the NBA’s more well-known point guards found new homes on Wednesday as the offseason got off to a busy start. First, Hawks guard Jeff Teague was sent to the Pacers in exchange for the Utah Jazz’s 12th overall pick in Thursday’s draft. Utah was compensated with Pacers guard George Hill. Next, Derrick Rose was traded to the Knicks as Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant became Bulls. With 5 teams making major roster moves, what does it mean for all of them going forward?
Atlanta Hawks
Teague has been involved in trade rumors for over a year now, and the Hawks finally made it happen in what appears to be a transition towards a younger core. The coaching staff may believe that 3-year backup guard Dennis Schröder is ready to assume the starting role. Meanwhile, the team is preparing for free agency as the possibility of center Al Horford’s departure looms. By acquiring the 12th overall pick, the Hawks will have a chance at big men Skal Labissiere from Kentucky or Domantas Sabonis from Gonzaga. Although not ideal, Atlanta may need to look toward a possible rebuild should Horford leave. They’ll have a future to look forward to, but don’t expect a core led by Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver to return to the playoffs in 2017.
Indiana Pacers
The return of Paul George in 2015-16 brought the Pacers back to the playoffs and a Game 7 against the East’s #2 seed Raptors. One thing they lacked however, was reliable point guard play. The addition of Teague may be what brings Indiana over the top as a serious challenger to Cleveland in the East. George is just entering his prime, and Myles Turner impressed as a solid rim protecter in his rookie year, averaging 10 points and 1.4 blocks per game. The Pacers lost defensive-minded coach Frank Vogel, but their roster will only continue to improve. Teague is entering the final year of his contract, so this is a low risk move with a big upside.
Utah Jazz
In an unforgiving Western Conference, the Jazz will need more than promising young talent to seriously contend. In acquiring George Hill, the team adds a proven experienced leader into a backcourt crowded with young players such as Dante Exum, Rodney Hood, Alek Burks and Raul Neto. It would be a mistake to play him major minutes, but could prove to be a valuable mentor for the next generation. Meanwhile, the frontcourt trio of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert will continue to provide a rare combination of defense and offense that may be enough to lead Utah to fringe playoff contention.
New York Knicks
The Knicks finally acquired a capable starting point guard in Rose, which may end up as either the smartest or dumbest decision Phil Jacskon has made as team president. That all depends on whether he can stay healthy. Despite Rose being infamous for his injury history, he stayed relatively healthy and averaged 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, on 43% shooting, production that any team in need of a point guard would be happy with. Rose did not come easy, however, costing the Knicks their starting center in Lopez and a promising young guard in Grant. That being said, the Knicks are clearly entering a “win now” mentality, and managed to add a valuable asset without trading away their future in the form of picks. They still have some holes to fill in the roster, but they could have up to $30M to spend in free agency, and got a point guard without having to offer a max contract. Not to mention finally unloading Jose Calderon, the Knicks could be in a good position moving forward. Like Teague, Rose could only be a one-year rental, as he’ll be a free agent next summer, motivation for him to play well now
Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans have to face the harsh reality: it’s time to rebuild. The Derrick Rose era is over. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are likely on the way out. And the front office is exploring Jimmy Butler trade possibilities for a top pick in the draft or young established talent. Robin Lopez makes up for the impending loss of Noah, and Jerian Grant will have a larger role to develop into. But even if they decide to retain Butler, Chicago no longer has the roster to seriously compete for a playoff spot, let alone a championship.
