Phoenix Suns: Point Guards That Phoenix Should Target via Trade

Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBAJeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Teague, G, Minnesota Timberwolves

Outside of the league’s elite point guards, Jeff Teague is probably one of the best facilitation options out there. It may be a bit difficult to convince a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves who are in a win-now mode to trade their starting point guard right now, but Jeff Teague should be on the Suns’ radar.

Teague is coming off a season with averages of 33.0 minutes, 14.2 points (44.6% FG, 36.8% 3P, 84.5% FT), 3.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.5 turnovers. The impact that he makes is unique for an above average starting point guard. Only James Harden, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Westbrook, Ben Simmons, and John Wall were the only players to match Teague’s averages in points, rebounds, and assists last season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KO3-zqkq3g

What I like most about the potential fit of Teague with the Suns is that he could provide veteran direction to a young team that badly needs it. Right now, their most experienced option to run their offense is Brandon Knight, and he has never been known as a floor general or even an efficient offensive player in general.

Let’s not forget that the facilitation and playmaking abilities of Teague would help DeAndre Ayton significantly, whether in the pick-and-roll or through drive-and-dish sequences within the flow of games. Let’s not forget that Teague has found success with big men like Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Myles Turner, and Karl-Anthony Towns and Ayton could be next.

While Teague’s offensive game is highly efficient when you include his passing, his skill-set certainly is not limited to his proficient passing. He can provide a positive impact as a scorer in areas like pick-and-roll ball handling, isolation, and hand-offs. It definitely wouldn’t hurt the Suns to have another capable perimeter scorer to help Devin Booker to shoulder that responsibility.

The defensive side of the ball could be an issue if Ayton does not find success early in his career because Teague is not the best of defenders. He can be passable if you have other positive defenders around him, but the results are likely not going to be successful on that end of the floor if there are two negative defenders in addition to him.

From an availability standpoint, it’s tough to tell the trajectory of the Timberwolves franchise. They could lose Jimmy Butler after this season to free agency, but they would still have pieces like Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to build around, so no matter what, it would make sense to keep Teague. It certainly doesn’t mean that it’s not worth trying, though.

The contract aspect is something to take into consideration. Teague is owed $19 million for each of the next two seasons, but that’s not the issue. The potential problem is that he has a player option after the upcoming season. If Phoenix were to trade for him, they would have to worry about him potentially opting out and leaving. It may be best to wait for next summer to sign him, but he should be on their radar regardless.

Next Up: George Hill, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

Booker’s Suns Dominate Spurs 131-106 to Bolster Playoff Hopes

The Phoenix Suns delivered a powerhouse performance against the San Antonio Spurs, securing a decisive 131-106 win during Saturday’s NBA action. The victory, marked by

Booker and Suns’ Sharpshooting Overpower Hawks for 128-115 Victory

The Phoenix Suns outscored the Atlanta Hawks 128-115 during Thursday’s NBA action, thanks to their exceptional performance from beyond the arc. Devin Booker led the

Allen’s 32 Points Lead Suns Past 76ers in 115-102 Victory

In an impressive showcase during Tuesday’s NBA action, Grayson Allen scored a whopping 32 points and tied his career-high with nine 3-pointers, propelling the Phoenix