There are probably better places to take an important phone call.
When Jeff Teague’s phone rang – while on a Harry Potter themed amusement park ride in Orlando – he answered. Hawks general manager Danny Ferry was calling with news that the team intended to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet from the Bucks. Teague would remain in Atlanta.
“He said they were going to match the offer and we’re glad to have you back,” Teague told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I held on a little bit, got off the ride and we started talking a little bit more.”
Just three days earlier, Teague had expressed to Ferry his desire to move on. The restricted free agent was unhappy with the progress of negotiations and he was impressed by the interest the Bucks showed. He also wanted an opportunity to reunite with former Hawks coach Larry Drew.
Despite all that, Teague said he is happy to remain in Atlanta. He showed up at the Hawks’ Las Vegas Summer League game Monday night and there were hugs all around – from Ferry, teammates John Jenkins and Mike Scott, coaches and support personnel.
“It’s a process,” Teague said. “I understood that going into it. I was a restricted free agent and I knew that all along. I was happy either way. I’m glad to be back in Atlanta. It’s been home for four years. It’s time to get back to work.
“There is no bad blood. We are all professionals.”
Ferry said he and Teague would go to dinner following Monday’s summer league game.
“We are moving forward,” Ferry said. “We are excited to have Jeff back as part of the program. We value him. Negotiations and the business side of basketball are all part of this, something that all players and all teams have to go through.”
Teague said he was encouraged by the faith the Hawks showed in him by matching the offer sheet.
“You have to move forward,” Teague said. “It’s a business. I’m excited to be in Atlanta. I’m ready to work. They want to push me to get better and I’m excited for that. I love John. I love Mike. I’m excited. I saw them today it was all love. I’m excited to be here.
“I know they are building a winning culture and I’m excited to be a part of it. I’ve got a good four years to be here and help this team get to a place we haven’t been, the Eastern Conference finals (and beyond).”
Notes: Mike Scott poured in a game-high 27 points in a 96-87 loss to the Spurs in the Las Vegas Summer League Monday night. Scott was 7 of 17 from the floor and made all 13 free throws. He added seven rebounds.
John Jenkins added 15 points and Jared Cunningham had 12 points for the Hawks (1-2). The Hawks, off Tuesday, will be seeded for the start of tournament play Wednesday and are guaranteed two more games.
Boban Marjanovic, the 7-foot-3 Serbian center, left the Hawks summer league team.
The Hawks are still interested in bringing back unrestricted free agent Ivan Johnson even with the signing of Paul Millsap.
About the Author
