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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 Jeff Teague trades to jump-start the Wolves

By Trey Flynn

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 30: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on November 30, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 30: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on November 30, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Timberwolves trade Jeff Teague to the Phoenix Suns who desperately need the heralded facilitator.

Before you read this move, just know that I tried my best to get T.J. Warren on the Timberwolves via the ESPN trade machine, but I can’t fathom the Suns giving him up after the amazing season he’s been having at his price point.

So, the infamous Josh Jackson will have to suffice.

Former No. 4 pick Josh Jackson has garnered a reputation around the league as a “bust” this season. However, I argue that he’s only a bust in terms of a top-five draft choice, the guy is only 21-years-old and has shown glimpses of solidarity at the wing position.

In his rookie season, Jackson played 25 MPG and averaged a stat line of 13.1 PPG, 4.8 TRB, and 1.0 steals.

While those numbers look asinine to move for a player like Jeff Teague at his price point, the Suns have all but given up on Jackson. He’s taken a huge step down this season, in 20 MPG Jackson is averaging 8.8 PPG, 3.6 TRB, and 2.2 ASTS with startling shooting splits of 37.5/28.2/65.2.

There are a few young studs around the league who need a new home, and after the Suns traded for Austin Rivers and swingman Kelly Oubre Jr., you can assume that Phoenix has given up of Jackson and are looking to build around Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

However, there is still a chance that T.J. Warren could be moved to Minnesota with Oubre Jr. coming to the Suns, so I’ll leave this trade idea below – even if I find it highly unlikely.

Moving on from the improbable T.J. Warren idea …

There isn’t a single reliable starting point guard on the Suns this season, and while Booker has done a fantastic job of moving the ball this year, Jeff Teague is obviously the veteran the Suns need to revive all of Arizona basketball.

The Timberwolves also move newly acquired Anthony Tolliver in the Josh Jackson deal and a future unprotected first round pick (which may not be necessary for Jackson).

I believe Josh Jackson has what it takes to be a solid role player in this league, but he just needs the right environment around him (which could just be a winning team).

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