NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Can Put Up With Michael Beasley

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley has gone from college phenom to No. 2 pick to underachiever to troublemaker in the span of the last four years.

He is a proven scorer that isn't very efficient in doing so. In his first season with the Timberwolves, Beasley ranked 109 out of 118 players in points per shot. He scored 19.2 points a game—but it took him over 17 to get there.

When you look at his career numbers of 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and a 45 percent clip from the field, it's clear that he is certainly capable of being productive in the NBA.

Beasley simply hasn't found the right fit yet.

With Minnesota drafting a Beasley clone in Derrick Williams at No. 2, a trade will likely be on the horizon as soon as the lockout is lifted.

With his latest arrest for marijuana, Beasley needs a new start. He won't be in trouble with the league since he isn't under contract during a lockout, but the bad press is just icing on the cake for a ticket out of town.

It's going to take a certain team to handle his antics, but here are five that could and should take the risk.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have one of the most stout defenses in the league. They were third in the league, allowing only 92.7 points a game.

They are golden in that department, especially with center Andrew Bogut protecting the rim and blocking shots.

The issue is with the offense and that's where Beasley comes in. He is a 6-10 shooter that would be an upgrade over the likes of Carlos Delfino, Drew Gooden and Ersan Ilyasova.

All of those players shot under 44 percent and were offensive liabilities for most of the season. Playing four-on-five caused point guard Brandon Jennings to hoist way too many ill-advised jumpers that showed off his questionable decision making skills.

Bringing Beasley works for a few reasons.

He will be cheap.

He brings a versatile scoring repertoire to a team that is as stale as it gets in this department. This will ease some of the pressure off of Jackson and new addition Steven Jackson to score 25 a night.

Last but not least, he will bring an intensity to the team that was somehow lost after the successes of the previous season.

4. New Orleans Hornets

The New Orleans Hornets are going to lose forward David West to free agency, and nabbing a similar player at a quarter of the cost is a great move for the money hungry franchise that is currently owned by the NBA.

West was a 20-and-10 guy alongside the best point guard in the league in Chris Paul. Considering Beasley has played with the likes of Jonny Flynn and Mario Chalmers in his career...imagine the difference playing with Paul could make.

Beasley is highly effective off the pick-and-roll, and CP3 could make him look like an All-Star on a team that isn't going to have many scoring options without West.

Considering the Hornets put up a solid fight against the Lakers in the postseason...adding Beasley may be what they need to get even farther in the Western Conference playoffs.

3. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are entering re-building mode and they are forcing Steve Nash along for the ride. The organization realizes they aren't going anywhere, but at least can sell tickets if Nash is still around.

With the buy-out of Vince Carter, the Suns will be looking for some scoring options on the wing. Beasley will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest of all-time if he ends up in Phoenix.

He can run the floor and finish with both hands on the break. This isn't the second coming of Nash and Dirk, but it certainly is an upgrade over what hey were throwing out on the court last season.

The weak defensive play of Beasley would fit right in with how the rest of the team plays on that end of the court as well.

2. New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets could use a lot of help. but one of their biggest needs is improving their play from their big men.

Brook Lopez was a decent enough scorer, averaging 20.4 a game, but his 6.0 rebounding average is simply unacceptable of a center that plays 35 minutes a game.

Kris Humphries has the skill set more suitable to come off the bench, while Johan Petro is a complete non-factor.

The Nets need a forward that can spread the floor with his range yet still play with his back-to-the-basket in the post. A guy that can also help out on the glass. A guy that is a veteran and ready to play now.

A guy like Beasley.

1. LA Clippers

A trouble-maker going to the Clippers...makes perfect sense.

On the floor, it makes even more sense.

With DeAndre Jordan expected to depart via free agency, the Clippers need a strong forward/center with the ability to score in order to replace him.

Yes, they have Blake Griffin, the high-flying walking highlight reel that took the league by storm. But he can't do it by himself.

Trading for guy like Beasley will make the duo a dangerous combo in the paint and he could provide protection for Blake.

A team with surprisingly little depth up front, the penny-pinching Clippers would love to nab a guy with the talent of Beasley for so cheap.

Remember that Beasley is only 22 years old and he is still maturing. As long as he can keep his head on his shoulders, the troubled soon to be fourth year pro would help bring the Clippers back to the postseason for the first time since 2006.

Are they willing to roll the dice?