NBA Rumors: Jeff Teague Prefers To Join Team Built To Win, Make Playoffs

Jeff Teague knows that time is not on his side and prefers to make the most out of what is left in his NBA career. The past two seasons saw him suiting up for teams that were focused on rebuilding – Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks. For the 2020-21 season, the 32-year-old hopes he hooks up with a team that will make the NBA playoffs at the least.

Teague started his NBA career on a high note, making the playoffs in his first nine seasons. Those were stints with Atlanta, Indiana and Minnesota. Unfortunately for him, that run was cut short with two of those three teams now in rebuilding mode. Tired of being part of that, Teague hopes he can have better luck this offseason joining a team built to win when he spoke to Hoopshype.

“Honestly, I just want to go to a team where we’re playing to win. I want to win. Like you’ve said, I’ve been to the playoffs for the first nine years of my career. That’s all I know is winning, competing, and trying to get to that ultimate goal of a championship. That’s what I want to play for is to win. If that’s starting or coming off the bench, I just want to play a significant role in winning,” Teague said.

Fulfilling that wish may not be easy. Teague will be among a crop of curious names who will be available this offseason. Other notable names in the mix include Fred VanVleet and Goran Dragic. But the wise bet for VanVleet and Dragic is that they will return to their respective clubs (Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat respectively).

The best Teague can hope for is a backup role with some team. At 32, this could be his best bet considering there are other teams who will opt for younger players available. That list includes D.J. Augustin, Shabazz Napier and Cameron Payne.

Teague is a veteran and can serve any team in the same way that Rajon Rondo did for the Lakers. Last season, he averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 59 games per Spotrac. Without question, these are numbers any NBA team would love to have.

Several teams could give him a try. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are looking for a veteran guard, making Teague a curious target. Though his playing time is not assured, it remains that playing either for the Lakers or Clippers would meet his desire to be with a winning club.