The Minnesota Timberwolves seem intent on making even more big moves this offseason, reportedly holding a mutual interest with Indiana Pacers point guard Jeff Teague, according to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune.
The Timberwolves are fresh off unloading Ricky Rubio‘s contract into the Utah Jazz‘s salary cap space, getting a protected first-rounder in return.
Now, without Rubio and rookie Kris Dunn, who was swapped out in the Jimmy Butler draft-night trade, Minnesota will be aggressive looking for a star point guard in free agency, looking at the likes of Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday, George Hill, and Teague.
Upon ridding themselves of Rubio, the Wolves will look for a point guard that is able to shoot and defend, with each of the following proven to be reliable three-point shooters and average at least one steal per game.
Teague fits the mold as a drive-and-kick playmaker who can take and make the open shot, making him also an option for the pick-and-roll game with Andrew Wiggins and Butler, thanks to his mid-range floater and his crafty finishing around the rim.
The 6-foot-2 point guard is “a heavy, heavy favorite” to sign with the team, according to USA TODAY's Sam Amick. The newly-turned 29-year-old has also drawn interest from the New York Knicks, who have reportedly eyed him as a replacement for Derrick Rose.
Having moved Rubio's $14.2-million contract completely off the books, Minnesota can have up to $30 million in salary cap space and can save roughly $35 million by going back on Shabazz Muhammad‘s qualifying offer.
UPDATE: Even though free agency hasn't technically begun, the T-Wolves and Teague apparently already have a deal:
The unconfirmed estimate making the rounds on Jeff Teague's expected deal with Minnesota: $55 million over three years
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2017
The Knicks have abandoned their hopes of meeting with Jeff Teague, league sources say, convinced Teague has already committed to Minnesota
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2017
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