Ahead of the official start of NBA Free Agency, it appears that Jeff Teague may have already committed to signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Shortly after trading for Ricky Rubio, it appears that the Minnesota Timberwolves have secured their new starting point guard. Many around the league believe that Jeff Teague has already committed to signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN.
The Wolves traded Rubio earlier in the day in exchange for a lottery-protected 2018 first-round draft pick from the Utah Jazz. In an attempt to appease Gordon Hayward ahead of free agency, Utah made a move for a staring lead guard.
Their incumbent starting point guard, George Hill, also hits free agency at midnight. However, it appears that Hill will be looking for a big payday, something that the Jazz clearly weren’t comfortable paying.
Now, though, they don’t have to worry abut getting into a bidding war with Rubio under contract for the foreseeable future.
"[via ESPN]The Knicks have abandoned their hopes of meeting with Jeff Teague, league sources say, convinced Teague has already committed to Minnesota"
Teague averaged 15 points and nearly eight assists per game last season with the Indiana Pacers last season. He spent his previous seven seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.
On the surface, trading Rubio to sign Teague in free agency is a bit head-scratching to say the least. Although, maybe Tom Thibodeau knows something that we don’t.
He shot a solid 36 percent from three-point range last season, but doesn’t exactly fill the defensive shoes that Rubio will leave behind in Minnesota. In fairness, Jimmy Butler in the backcourt should help in that department.
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In the matter of hours, the Wolves’ new starting lineup will likely look something like this: Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng. Not bad after originally projected to pick in the top 10 of the 2017 NBA Draft.