New York Knicks trade rumors 2016: Hawks' Jeff Teague answer to backcourt problem?

Reuters/Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The answer to the New York Knicks' woe with their backcourt may have been found in the Atlanta Hawks' Jeff Teague, who is not performing the way he did last season when he earned his first All-Star selection. 

Despite the mild dip in his numbers, Teague is still a quality point guard, but Yahoo Sports reported that the Hawks are discussing with teams regarding a potential deal involving him. 

Now that Teague seems available, the Knicks are looking to address their backcourt issue and acquire him through trade to boost their roster. 

According to the New York Post, the Knicks and Hawks are having "very preliminary" discussions about Teague. However, a trade deal is "improbable."

Teague has played in 44 regular season games this season, averaging 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.4 minutes played per contest. 

The 27-year-old is an explosive point guard and is always pushing the pace, qualities that the Knicks are looking for in a playmaker. 

Currently, New York has Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway, and Jerian Grant as their point guards. 

Calderon is not a player that will slash to the rim to score, he is more of a shooter, unlike Teague who can do both.  

Meanwhile, Galloway and Grant are just starting in the league and have yet to establish their games.

The Knicks will have a complete point guard if they acquire Teague. However, the team may not have enough assets to convince Atlanta to let go of their main court general. 

According to ESPN, a number of executives are calling the Knicks' trade assets as "underwhelming."

As of now, it is likely that Teague stays with the Hawks, who are expected to be more active in trading just like any other team when the deadline (Feb. 18) nears.