NBA Trade Rumors: Money Makes Michael Beasley Good Fit with New Jersey Nets
Michael Beasley's name figures to be thrown around a lot before the trade deadline.
After the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Derrick Williams, Beasley has become expendable, and there are several interested parties in the former No. 2 overall pick.
While the Los Angeles Lakers would seem to be a logical destination given their troubles at small forward, Peter Vecsey of the New York Post named a couple of other potential suitors on Tuesday:
"The Lakers, also in dire need of a legitimate scoring threat at small forward, have genuine interest in Michael Beasley, but it’s doubtful they’ll use the $8.9 million trade exception (from Lamar Odom being shipped to Dallas) to acquire him because of the increased luxury tax consequences stemming from the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman recently committed to boosting Derrick Williams’ minutes, making Beasley extraneous. Minnesota is pushing hard to relocate his $6.2 million expiring contract and have the Nets and Celtics leaning.
"
The Nets make a lot of sense for Beasley for a number of reasons.
For one, the Nets would be able to trade a big contract for Beasley, like Anthony Morrow or Jordan Farmar. In addition, they would be able to unload Beasley's $6.2 million after this season, giving them more money to spend on free agents like Dwight Howard and Deron Williams.
Whether Howard and Williams are available or not, the move figures to benefit the Nets.
Adding Beasley may also entice Howard to go to New Jersey. Beasley certainly isn't a star in the league, but he's definitely an upgrade over DeShawn Stevenson at small forward. Pairing him with Deron Williams makes the Nets a better team.
The Nets haven't had a winning season since 2005-2006, and they are last in the Atlantic division right now with a 10-25 record. Positioning themselves for next season will be critical in getting out of the gutter.
