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The Atlanta Hawks face a significant decision regarding the point guard position over the next 12 months. As a result, incumbent starter Jeff Teague has been involved in whispers about a potential trade that would pave the way for the Dennis Schröder era, and on Thursday evening, word broke of a legitimate rumor involving Teague and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Atlanta and Philadelphia are discussing a deal centered on a Jeff Teague and Nerlens Noel package, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 2, 2016
Shams Charania of The Vertical brings word of a deal that would involve both Teague and Nerlens Noel, though the wording of "centered on" suggests that more pieces could be involved. Noel, who was selected as the number six overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, is just 22 years old and under contract through the 2016-2017 season, after which he would become a restricted free agent.
In two seasons with the Sixers (after missing his rookie year with injury), Noel has averaged 10.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, and he is best known for his defensive profile. Offensively, he is a very limited player at this point (though he improved his efficiency in his sophomore campaign), but given his age and significant pedigree, Noel does present real upside as a player.
At this point, this is a rumor and nothing more, but it is the first real movement on the Jeff Teague front since the trade deadline in February. The Sixers are certainly in the mark for an established point guard, lending credence to the report, and the Hawks could certainly do worse than acquiring a young, talented big man as both insurance for a potential Al Horford departure and quality depth should he return.
Stay tuned.