Early grades for the Minnesota Timberwolves offseason moves

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Jeff Teague Signing: B+

After trading long-time Timberwolf Ricky Rubio, Minnesota was in the market for a new starting point guard. Because the Wolves were able to clear cap space with the Rubio trade, Minnesota was able to sign eight-year veteran Jeff Teague to a three-year, $57 million deal.

This season, Teague is set to make $19 million, which may sound like a lot, but it actually only ranks as the ninth-highest point guard salary in the NBA. Players like Jrue Holiday and George Hill make more money, and Teague is a good fit for the Wolves’ roster. Since Teague has entered the league, there has not been an NBA playoffs without him. This playoff experience will come be important with the inexperienced Minnesota team.

Teague has proven to be much more of a scoring threat at point guard than Rubio ever was. On the season, he is averaging 13.9 points and 7.4 assists. He has also shown the ability to play off the ball, shooting the highest 3-point percentage of his career thus far at 43.1 percent. This ability has allowed the Wolves to have Butler to run the offense and have shooters on the outside.

Teague has also been disruptive on the defensive side of the ball, totaling 26 steals on the year, good enough for ninth in the NBA. This stat can be a bit misleading however, Teague gambles. There have been a number of times that he has tried to jump passing lanes on the opponents fast breaks and he will either get a steal, or give up a layup on the other end.