Phoenix Suns Reportedly Agree to 3-Year Deal with Michael Beasley
The Phoenix Suns have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with future unrestricted free agent Michael Beasley, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
"Just going up online: Michael Beasley has committed to sign with Phoenix Suns on a three-year, $18 mil, sources close to situation tell ESPN
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2012"
Beasley, a former member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, was originally a restricted free agent but became available when it broke that the T-Wolves plan on refusing to extend a qualifying offer to the 23-year-old, per Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.
However, that unrestricted status doesn't become official until July 11, when free agents can begin signing with their desired teams. The Suns were one of five teams in the running for Beasley, per Marc Stein of ESPN.
Beasley has been a major disappointment in his career after being selected No. 2 overall by the Miami Heat. He was then subsequently dealt upon the notion that the "Big Three" were going to happen in South Beach, and Beasley needed to go to help make it happen.
During the strike-shortened season, Beasley averaged 11.5 points per game and 4.4 rebounds in a meager 23 minutes per contest. But Phoenix must be looking at his best season as a reason for the attraction, as the former lottery pick averaged 19 points and 5.6 rebounds per.
This move comes just after the Suns dealt their longtime superstar point guard, Steve Nash, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade that netted them several draft picks, according to Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic.
"In the Nash sign-and-trade, the #Suns will get 2013 & 2015 first-round picks and 2013 & 2014 second-round picks.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) July 5, 2012"
Clearly, Phoenix is building for the future, and Beasley will be one of the key components. It will be interesting to see how he does in an offense more centered around his abilities.
There is no more Steve Nash, and the Suns must go in a completely different direction. I'd say this Fourth of July wheeling and dealing was one heck of a start.
