According to Ian Begley of ESPN, sources have said the New York Knicks have inquired about Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague. Teague is entering his contract year in the 2016-17 season and is owed $8 million.
This will fill a need at the point guard position, as current point guard Jose Calderon is getting another year older, Jerian Grant is only in his rookie season, and Langston Galloway is not a starting caliber point guard.
Teague is tied for 17th in league averaging 5.6 assists a game, while the highest Knick in that department is Calderon with 4.1 assists a game. He has shown in years past that he can carry a team when it comes to scoring, although his points per game average (14.3) and minutes per game (28.3) have dropped this season compared to the previous two seasons.
Which brings into question is that due to the emergence of Dennis Schroder, or at 27 has he reached his ceiling? Only time will tell. He would, for the next year and a half, be a great third scoring option with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, respectively.
The Knicks will have approximately $19 million in cap space for next season. With Teague adding $8 million to that, depending on who you give up, the Knicks won't be able to sign any player to a max deal.
The issue, should Phil Jackson make this deal, is how will he adjust to the current Knicks roster? He will be able to help out defensively, as he averages 1.5 steals per game this season. If he can disrupt on the perimeter defensively, this will help a team that is middle of the pack on defense in points allowed (101.2). The Knicks are currently fifth in the league in opponents three point percentage at 33.3 percent.
Teague is versatile enough where he could play off the ball and essentially play the two guard position. The Knicks are desperate to add depth to the backcourt, and his playoff experience makes him that much more valuable to a Knicks team that is looking to take that next step. Although his numbers have diminished, Teague will be a great addition to the Knicks and their backcourt.