Jeff Teague (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
As the San Antonio Spurs end their solid run in the 2015-16 season falling short of expectations, they may need to retool.
With the team appearing a step slow against the younger, more athletic Oklahoma City Thunder, the need to retool at the point guard position seems clear. Tony Parker is not at all washed up, but the point guard competition in the West is insane: Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Damian Lillard comprise the other skippers in the Conference.
In an ESPN Insider feature, the Spurs were rumored to pursue Mike Conley in free agency as Amin Elhassan noted the need in the backcourt. "Backcourt help has to be high on the to-do list. Both Tony Parker and Ginobili have shown the effects of aging."
While the Spurs are now confident with the free agent game after winning out on the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes last season, they would still be open for trades, specifically for Jeff Teague, an idea that was teased by ESPN analyst Jalen Rose in his podcast
In a Real GM forum, there were different scenarios discussed on what the Spurs can offer to get Jeff Teague. One of them centered on Danny Green, the Spurs starting shooting guard. However, there is the possibility that Manu Ginobili might retire. Trading off Green will leave them with no options at the shooting guard spot aside from Jonathan Simmons.
Another possible package centers on Patty Mills, the Spurs back-up point guard. Mills would not create any friction with Schroeder since he is used to the role of being the second stringer. He was even the third stringer when Cory Joseph was with the Spurs.
Mills did not develop as well as the Spurs expected and now that Parker is aging, the discrepancy could not be ignored. However, he would not be enough for Teague so the Spurs should add Kyle Anderson and the 29th pick in the 2016 Draft.
Anderson could be the Hawks insurance at the wing if ever Kent Bazemore decides to walk. Bazemore will become a prime target for teams who miss out on Kevin Durant and the Hawks may not be able to match a max contract for him.
Teague has played under Coach Mike Budenholzer, the former Spurs assistant. He would have no problem adjusting to Coach Gregg Popovich's system.
