NBA Free Agency Rumors: Jeff Teague and Knicks have mutual interest

Jeff Teague may be interested in joining the New York Knicks following Phil Jackson’s departure.

All seems well in New York after the Knicks held on to Kristaps Porzingis and fired Phil Jackson. The Knicks avoided a potential crisis and can now focus on free agency. According to ESPN, the first order of business may be free agent Jeff Teague, where there is apparently mutual interest.

For the Knicks, the futures of both Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose are in question. With both likely to be traded or released sometime within the coming weeks, the Knicks will need to sign a veteran leader to lead a rebuild. Who better than Jeff Teague? The 29-year old has played seven NBA seasons for two different teams. He spent his first six years with Atlanta before moving to Indiana for the entirety of last season.

At 29, Teague is not an All-Star anymore. However, he brings experience, durability and leadership to the table. In 2016-17, Teague started all 82 games for the Pacers. He averaged 15.3 points in 32.4 minutes per game. Since the 2013-14 season, his scoring numbers have slowly declined, but with 15+ points a game, he’s got some scoring left in the tank. His 7.8 assists and four rebounds per game add to his production as well. It is unclear whether Teague will start for a team or provide great guard depth off the bench. However, his chances of starting are higher in NYC, especially if the Knicks ship Derrick Rose off.

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Since Phil Jackson is gone, Teague (and likely a few more veterans) has revamped interest in the team. Jackson’s departure means the death of the hated and outdated triangle offense, making New York a likable destination once again. Free agents will be foaming at the mouth at the chance to play with an up and coming star in Porzingis and hopefully be a part of a rebuild to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.