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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard Trey Burke (33) defends during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard Trey Burke (33) defends during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeff Teague, Indiana Pacers, orlando Magic
Nov 14, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) dribbles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends in the second quarter of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Teague, Indiana Pacers

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB AST STL TOV PTS
2016-17 28 IND 82 32.4 .442 .357 .492 .867 4.0 7.8 1.2 2.6 15.3
Career 600 27.0 .447 .355 .489 .844 2.4 5.5 1.2 2.2 12.6

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/25/2017.

Jeff Teague might be more wishful thinking than anything else. Teague is coming off a four-year $32-million contract off his rookie deal. He is probably looking for a payday now.

And he has largely earned it throughout his career. He has been a solid, not spectacular, starter throughout. Last year, he put together a solid individual season with 15.3 points per game and 7.8 assists per game, a career high in assists. Teague can still score and get into the paint. His jumper is still a bit suspect, but it is more than passable.

Teague has always been a point guard good enough to lead his team to the Playoff. But he probably does not elevate his team beyond that. It is the story of his career.

At this point, Teague is slightly above average and serviceable. That might be better than what Elfrid Payton gives the Magic. He certainly provides a lot more stability and consistency. Teague, as a veteran, has a better sense of who he is as a player. And at 28 years old, he is likely at his peak right now.

Going after Teague is something of a win-now move for a young Magic team. And, in all likelihood, Teague is going to command a contract in the $15-20 million range, if not more. Well beyond the range the Magic can afford this summer. Not without some contract maneuvering.

Orlando likely would better use its resources elsewhere. Unless the team finds a way to clear some cap room to make a big push for a bigger name.