Former NBA guard Jeff Teague shared an unexpected twist in his contract negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks, describing a tense exchange with then-general manager Danny Ferry.
Speaking on the Out The Mud Podcast, Teague detailed how he was convinced he was leaving Atlanta, only to be blindsided by the team’s decision to match his offer.
Teague, who had signed an offer sheet with the Milwaukee Bucks, recalled telling Ferry he had no interest in returning to the Hawks.
“Danny Ferry told me ‘I hate everything about you, I hate how you walk, I hate how you talk’… This is stuff said to me, I was like ‘I do not want to play for you, I don’t want to be a part of your team, please don’t sign this,’” Teague recounted, via HoopsHype.
Despite their exchange, Teague went ahead with signing the offer sheet in Milwaukee, believing he had secured a fresh start. The following day, he was house-hunting in Wisconsin when he received a call from Ferry. “He was like ‘Haha! That’s how the NBA works, way to do business, good job, see you in Atlanta next week,’” Teague said.
The Hawks ultimately matched Milwaukee’s offer, keeping Teague in Atlanta against his wishes. He continued playing for the franchise until he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2016.
