Knicks Rumors: New York Targeting Jrue Holiday And Jeff Teague
The New York Knicks need a point guard. While most expect Phil Jackson to draft his floor general, he’s reportedly eyeing pending free agents Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague.
After months of mediocre basketball and deflected accountability, the New York Knicks have officially turned their attention to the future. The 2017 NBA Draft is less than two months away and free agency will begin mere days after the conclusion of the annual selection process.
Although the Knicks may be strapped for cash, team president Phil Jackson appears to have his eyes set on a pair of point guards who could help fortify the ship.
Assuming it were to renounce all of its cap holds, New York would have roughly $19 million to work with under the current salary cap estimates. That isn’t quite enough to offer a max contract, but the Jackson regime appears to be holding out hope that it will be enough to work with.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Jackson and the Knicks will attempt to make enticing offers to free agent point guards Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague.
"But it doesn’t seem like enough to lure New Orleans point guard Jrue Holiday or Indiana Pacers point guard Jeff Teague, who some in the organization see as potential free-agent targets, per league sources.The Knicks would have to move some money off of the books to afford either Holiday or Teague."
Both players would fit what the Knicks need at point guard, but both could command a first-year salary worth upwards of $19 million.
Jackson could backload and incentivize the contract offers he extends to either Holiday or Teague. Doing so would be a risky proposition, however, as that would be an investment in both players’ ability to stay healthy and productive beyond the age of 30.
It’s a financially plausible scenario, however, and the Knicks appear ready to explore the possibility of signing one of those two former All-Stars this coming offseason.
The question is: what would Holiday and Teague bring to the table?
Teague was an All-Star in 2015 who finished the 2016-17 season with averages of 15.3 points, 7.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. He’s underwhelming on defense, but skilled on offense.
That was established by Teague ranking No. 15 amongst point guards in Offensive Real Plus-Minus and No. 23 in Defensive RPM.
As for Holiday, he was an All-Star in 2013 and has the size that Jackson covets at the point guard position at 6’4″ and 205 pounds.
Holiday finished the 2016-17 regular season with averages of 15.4 points, 7.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 3-point field goals made per game. He ranked No. 4 amongst point guards in Defensive RPM.
With the ability to play with and without the ball, as well as defensive prowess and proficiency as a facilitator, the 26-year-old Holiday would be a spectacular fit.
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Regardless of which player the New York Knicks proceed with pursuing, both could be valuable additions and costly targets.