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Former NBA guard Jeff Teague believes the Miami Heat could become the team to beat in the Eastern Conference if they add another championship-winning guard to their revamped roster.
Following Miami's signing of Klay Thompson to a two-year, $13 million contract after the veteran received a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks last Friday, Teague warned Eastern Conference contenders about the possibility of Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday eventually joining the Heat.
“Don’t let us find another guard, point guard,” Teague said on the latest episode of the Club 520 Podcast. “Don’t let Jrue Holiday get a buyout and go to Miami. We (Heat) the best team in the East, competing with the Knicks.”
Teague's comments come as Miami continues reshaping its roster after an aggressive offseason. The Heat already made their biggest move by acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade before adding Thompson following his departure from Dallas.
Thompson gives Miami another proven perimeter threat and one of the most accomplished veterans in the league. The five-time All-Star won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and built his reputation as one of the greatest 3-point shooters in league history.
Jeff Teague says he’s taking the Heat over the Sixers now that they’ve signed Klay Thompson.
“Don’t let Jrue Holiday get a buyout and go to Miami. We (Heat) the best team in the East, competing with the Knicks”
(Via @club520podcast / h/t @TheHeatCentral) pic.twitter.com/A6C3lcujFk
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2026
A hypothetical addition of Holiday would give the Heat another experienced two-way guard with championship pedigree.
Jeff Teague sees Heat as major threat to Knicks, 76ers
Holiday currently remains with Portland, making Teague's suggestion dependent on the Trail Blazers eventually parting ways with the veteran guard and a buyout becoming possible.
However, his comments highlight the expectations surrounding Miami following its offseason overhaul.
The reigning NBA champion New York Knicks remain among the conference's top teams, while the Philadelphia 76ers have significantly raised their championship expectations after adding LeBron James. Teague believes Miami could challenge both teams after pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and surrounding its stars with additional veteran talent.
Thompson's arrival should help address one of the most important elements of constructing a roster around Antetokounmpo. His perimeter shooting can provide additional spacing for a Heat offense now built around Antetokounmpo's ability to attack the basket.
Holiday would provide a different dimension. The veteran guard has established himself as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders throughout his career while also bringing extensive postseason experience.
There is no indication that Portland plans to buy out Holiday or that Miami will have an opportunity to acquire him. Teague's remarks instead presented a hypothetical scenario in which another accomplished veteran becomes available.
Still, after Miami's acquisition of Antetokounmpo and signing of Thompson, Teague believes one more major backcourt addition could push the Heat to the top of the Eastern Conference.