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With Phil Jackson out and the triangle de-emphasized, the Knicks, under general manager Steve Mills, have interest in free agent point guard Jeff Teague, league sources told ESPN. League sources say the interest in Teague is mutual. The Knicks, under Mills, had talked to the Hawks about trading for Teague two years ago.

Link- http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0671738984333841055-4

Not one bit surprised. It was reported the night PG news broke about leaving the Pacers that we were looking at Jrue Holiday to play PG, which seemed like it was the end for Teague regardless, because with PG leaving, i don't see what the purpose would be for the Pacers to spend big money on bringing Teague back?

I'm in favor of bringing Teague back because I think having a vet point guard will help our young guys develop, but if the Knicks make a substantial offer that we can't compete with, then it's not a huge deal to let him go.

I don't think we need a 29 year old to be our highest paid player given that the centerpiece of our team is only 21.

I like that Teague wants to be in Indiana but I see several compelling reasons to let him go.

1. We had a rebounding problem last year. It generally got blamed on Turner but Pacers did a lousy job of anticipating this potential problem by surrounding Myles with an undersized 4 and small guards. Teague was clearly a part of that problem. I agree that a big investment in Jeff makes little sense if we are building a team that best complements Turner.

2. I'm intrigued by the thought of making Lance the pg and getting much bigger at that position. There probably aren't more than 10 pg's in the league who are better passers than Lance and if he and Turner can develop a strong chemistry that could be lethal. Got to find someone who can help Lance when dealing with the really fast guys at that position.

3. I don't know if the money can be better spent this summer?

Lol, Teague averaged 4 rebounds which is above average for a PG but his rebounding was clearly part of the problem. You guys are laughable. I agree with the guy saying yes I would love Teague back. Lance and his one on one playmaking does not help anyone grow.

SBM wrote:Lol, Teague averaged 4 rebounds which is above average for a PG but his rebounding was clearly part of the problem. You guys are laughable. I agree with the guy saying yes I would love Teague back. Lance and his one on one playmaking does not help anyone grow.

Back in 2014 I might have been the biggest anti Lance guy on this board. I saw a different guy in the short glimpse this past year. He looked a lot more focused on getting others their shots. He's still a loose cannon but, there is so little tied up in him that if this doesn't work he can be lost with very little cost. After watching Ellis and Stuckey for the last few seasons I've come appreciate the altogether different level of athlete and talent that Lance represents. If he's going to make any contribution he's gotta have the ball. Given where we are now.....what can it hurt to give it to him.

Wizop wrote:I don't think we need a 29 year old to be our highest paid player given that the centerpiece of our team is only 21.

I agree.
If Mr. Indianapolis comes back as the highest paid player, it will be about him.

8305 wrote:I like that Teague wants to be in Indiana but I see several compelling reasons to let him go.

1. We had a rebounding problem last year. It generally got blamed on Turner but Pacers did a lousy job of anticipating this potential problem by surrounding Myles with an undersized 4 and small guards. Teague was clearly a part of that problem. I agree that a big investment in Jeff makes little sense if we are building a team that best complements Turner.

2. I'm intrigued by the thought of making Lance the pg and getting much bigger at that position. There probably aren't more than 10 pg's in the league who are better passers than Lance and if he and Turner can develop a strong chemistry that could be lethal. Got to find someone who can help Lance when dealing with the really fast guys at that position.

3. I don't know if the money can be better spent this summer?

Playing Lance with another point guard would be optimal.
The point guard would need to be effective and comfortable playing off the ball.

I know of a player like that: Joe Ragland

Yes, all SG minutes should be filled by good rebounders 6'5" and up with long arms.

Cutting Ellis or using his Stuckey like expiring contract in a trade should happen very soon.

Global Game wrote:Playing Lance with another point guard would be optimal.
The point guard would need to be effective and comfortable playing off the ball.

someone like Monta Ellis? Joe Young? even Aaron Brooks although I doubt we'll bring him back? maybe Sumner later in the year?

I just don't see the need to hurry to dump Ellis. what's the hurry?

Wizop wrote:

Global Game wrote:Playing Lance with another point guard would be optimal.
The point guard would need to be effective and comfortable playing off the ball.

someone like Monta Ellis? Joe Young? even Aaron Brooks although I doubt we'll bring him back? maybe Sumner later in the year?

I just don't see the need to hurry to dump Ellis. what's the hurry?

I said point guards. None of those players is a point guards.
They are small guards who fancy shooting/scoring.

Of the 3 only Brooks is a decent 3 point shooter.

Young and Ellis aren't effective playing of the ball because they can't shoot.
Non floor spacers don't/can't effectively play off the ball.

The Pacers can use Ellis' roster spot on a player that can shoot, has SG/SF size, and can defend multiple positions.
A floor spacer will assist Turner in doing his job better. Now is the time.

Global Game wrote:Young and Ellis aren't effective playing of the ball because they can't shoot.
Non floor spacers don't/can't effectively play off the ball.

The Pacers can use Ellis' roster spot on a player that can shoot, has SG/SF size, and can defend multiple positions.
A floor spacer will assist Turner in doing his job better. Now is the time.

Young is supposed to be able to shoot but he hasn't proven himself ready to earn minutes. He was dominate at the beginning of last year's summer league, but got hurt and never came back to form. Summer league is here again and we'll see if this will be a better year for him.

Ellis is a proven scorer although not a long range shooter. he's a mid-range shooter and a slasher. he's been a surprisingly good voice in the locker room. we all figure he'll be cut at the end of the year.but I think he can be useful this year.

I do agree that it comes down to roster spots though. I figure Teague, Allen, Brooks, and Miles are all gone. That's four spots. The addition of Leaf makes it three. The new CBA creates two new two-way spots. One is probably Sumner. If Ben Moore or some other summer league player is the second one, then Ike takes a roster spot, but if not, Ike is the second two-way contract and we still have three spots open. George will be traded for more than one player but I'll be surprised if we get four keepers out of the trade.

Summarizing, I don't think we need to move Ellis or Jefferson to clear a roster spot but we won't know for sure until we know how many players we get back for PG. We also don't know what positions could use a free agent signing until we know who we get in that trade.

I'm not sure either Ellis or Jefferson have proven themselves to be useful in any way at this point. I think you want guys like this to be positive influences on a young team. Last year Jefferson's physical conditioning was an embarrassment and I believe Monta will miss the first 5 games of the 2017-2018 season as a result of failing a drug test. Frankly, I'd rather give a D-League guy who would appreciate the opportunity a chance with those minutes.

Hearing that Minnesota is interested in Teague also after trading Rubio. If he's getting multiple suitors, I think that significantly lessens the odds he is here next year.

If Teague re-signs with Pacers something is up. He is getting plenty of attention from what i see.

Sounds like Teague is headed to Minnesota. Rumor has it he's given a verbal commitment.

I have no problem with the wolves. In fact, they're my adopted second time since I lived there for 6 years. But how that isn't tampering is beyond me


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I think Minnesota would be a great fit for him. The Thibs offense made Derrick Rose an MVP, made a few career backups look like passable starters when he was down, and should be pretty good for Teague. I do think that pairing him and Butler together could create similar "who gets the ball?" issues that they've both had before in their career though.

Teague was severely underrated by Pacers fans, for whatever reason. There were significant stretches last season where he was our best player.

Still, at his age, and knowing our current position, I'm not upset by us letting him walk. I'm never a fan of letting talent go with nothing to show for it, but I have enough confidence in our management to turn the freed-up cap space into rebuilding blocks.

3 yr 57 if correct he did not get the years but about the yearly pay I expect.

Teague
Butler
Wiggins
KAT
get a better defensive center

Try to get Kyle Korver, Mike Dunleavy type to come there as bench shooters and they are good.

I would have been thrilled to keep Jeff here but considering the state of our team it's understandable why he wants out. I am happy he's joining an up and coming team as he and Jimmy will add veteran leadership, which was sorely lacking in Minny.

Seems like a really good fit for him in Minny. Wish him nothing but the best.