Recent rumors are out that the Indiana Pacers could trade newly-acquired point guard Jeff Teague in midseason as the NBA All-Star could leave the team when he becomes a free agent next summer.
The 28-year-old former Atlanta Hawks starting floor general is entering the final year of his four-year, $32 million deal, which makes him eligible to a contract extension this summer, similar to what Russell Westbrook and James Harden had with their respective NBA clubs Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
However, the Pacers were not able to provide that for Teague as their main man, three-time All-Star Paul George, is also set to be contract "re-structure eligible on September 25", as noted by Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler.
Indiana still has about $6 million in cap space this year, which would be enough to give George the maximum salary deal that he deserves, but the problem is it will not be sufficient to provide the same for Teague.
Barring a significant salary dump anytime soon, the Pacers will definitely not be able to give George and Teague maximum salaries simultaneously at this point in time, which means Teague is on his way to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
While Teague is an Indiana native and is said to be "very excited about the long-term future in Indiana", Kyler noted that "there are no guarantees there". Furthermore, even if the seven-year pro do thrive with the Pacers in this upcoming season, will the club be willing to fight for him if ever another team offers him a substantial amount next year?
Kyler is suggesting that it would be better for the Pacers to trade him in midseason if they are not sure that they can keep him in a free-agent bidding war next summer.
Meanwhile, Today's Fastbreak indicated that Teague may not be the ideal point guard for head coach Nate McMillan next season as the former Wake Forest standout needs the ball in his hands to become effective.
The presence of George and shooting guard Monta Ellis, who are both playmakers in their own rights, might prevent him from reaching his full potential.
However, Teague is someone who is used to "sharing the spotlight" as he did with his teammates back in Atlanta, so it may not be an issue for him in Indiana.