Atlanta Turned Teague Into a First-Round Wing
The Hawks joined a three-team transaction involving Indiana and Utah in July 2016. Atlanta sent Jeff Teague to the Pacers and received the draft rights to Taurean Prince. The move reflected a willingness to transition the Hawks' backcourt while adding a longer-term perimeter prospect. Prince had shown size, shooting potential and versatility in college, making him a credible developmental choice. The trade also opened opportunities for Atlanta to reorganize its remaining guard responsibilities.
Indiana Acquired a Proven Point Guard in Teague
The Pacers received Teague, an established NBA playmaker who had become an All-Star in Atlanta. Indiana valued his ability to run offense and create shots during a period of roster change. His receiving-team role should be judged from the season he actually spent with the Pacers, not all of his prior Hawks career. Teague gave Indiana an immediate option at a demanding position, though his eventual tenure was shorter than a long-term franchise rebuilding cycle.
Utah Took George Hill to Stabilize Its Backcourt
The Jazz acquired Hill from Indiana, gaining a guard with defensive size and an ability to shoot beside the team's young core. Hill's veteran profile suited a Utah group trying to advance in the Western Conference. He supplied a different kind of value from Prince's long-term developmental appeal and Teague's higher-volume ball handling. Any subsequent Hill transactions need to remain separate from the immediate Jazz benefit. The original trade placed one legitimate incoming asset with each franchise.
Three Viable Returns Made This More Than a Two-Sided Deal
Atlanta obtained a younger wing who could grow within the organization, Indiana added an experienced playmaker, and Utah secured an established two-way guard. The inherited slight Hawks edge reflects the upside Prince represented and the possibility of developing him beyond the veteran guards' shorter timelines. The B+ grades for Indiana and Utah still recognize real receiving-team benefits. A complete review must include all three clubs rather than comparing only the Hawks and Pacers and omitting Utah.
Final Verdict
Slight Hawks Edge. Atlanta earns A- for securing Taurean Prince's draft rights and beginning a wing-development pathway. Indiana receives B+ for adding Jeff Teague as a proven point guard, while Utah also gets B+ for George Hill's veteran defense and ball handling. The inherited edge values Prince's longer timeline, but all three franchises received meaningful assets.