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7 reasons the Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn’t trade Jeff Teague

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on before the game against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on before the game against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game 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)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game 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) /

3. We don’t know how badly Teague is hurt or how his injuries are affecting his play.

Teague has battled injuries all season long which has caused him to miss games on two separate occasions.

The first came around Thanksgiving when he missed four consecutive game due to a sore right Achilles. Before that, he played in168 consecutive games.

When he returned, he tried to start a new consecutive game streak, however, it didn’t last long- only 13 games to be exact. He suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his left knee on a freak play in overtime against the Denver Nuggets. There was a jump ball with about 14 seconds left in the game and the Wolves leading by 1. After the ball was tipped, a player fell into his leg and caused it to bend awkwardly.

While it was rumored he could be out up to six weeks, he came back a lot sooner. Possibly too soon. He only ended up missing seven games and returned just two weeks after he suffered the injury.

From then on, it’s been obvious he hasn’t been able to go as hard as he wants to all the time. He’s held up on diving for loose balls and has struggled to find any sort of a groove.

To make matters worse, he suffered a wrist injury against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 25 and shared he was afraid to shoot in the next game for fear of missing the rim altogether.

Of course, if he’s truly injured he should rest his body and get fully healthy before getting back out there. However, as a player, it’s extremely difficult to pull yourself out of the game when you want to be out there so badly.

I say all of this because we don’t know how injured he is and if he will improve when he becomes fully healthy. If injuries are a contributing factor to his poor play, Minnesota would be smart to wait it out knowing that a step forward is on the horizon.

On the other hand, teams will want a full physical before agreeing to any trade which he may or may not pass.

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