NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Would Be Disappointing Second Option for Nets

The New Jersey Nets would be absolutely foolish to trade for Minnesota small forward Michael Beasley.

He's not worth their time, their effort, and he's certainly not worth their money.

It may seem a bit harsh, but all of the Nets' focus has to be centered around trying to trade for Orlando Magic big man Dwight Howard, while simultaneously showing point guard Deron Williams that they are an organization worth re-signing with.

The problem is, with the Nets starting to pick up their game and the prospects of a somewhat successful season on the horizon, there are reports the Nets could become buyers at the trade deadline.

But not for Dwight Howard.

Fred Kerber of the New York Post reports on the Nets and trade possibilities if they can't get Howard:

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But with the Nets suddenly feeling a renewed sense of playoff hope—and that is provided by two wins in three games, an on-paper favorable schedule break for them and a brutal stretch for opponents like the Knicks (Sixers, at Bulls, Blazers, Pacers) and Celtics (eight-game road trip starting out west). So there is the sense if by Thursday’s deadline they have improved in the standings, they could be buyers for an expiring contract.

Minnesota’s Michael Beasley has been mentioned and the Nets have spoken with the Timberwolves. Beasley is a young talent, has a $6.2 million expiring contract and is represented by Jeff Schwartz, who is also Deron Williams’ agent. So an initial courtesy call may have turned into interest.

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There should be no contingency plan—it's all or nothing for the Nets.

If Nets can't trade for Howard and have to wait for free agency, how disappointing would the contingency plan of a potential trade for Beasley be?

You're going from potentially bringing in the best center in the game to trading for Michael Beasley. That's like not being able to get the Corvette you want so you settle for a Prius— a faulty one at that.

I have to wonder how much he'd actually bring to this team.

Beasley is a player that has sorely underperformed since coming out of Kansas State—averaging 11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season.

Not only that, but he was reportedly arrested for possession of marijuana last summer, and that apparently wasn't the first time he's found himself in a questionable situation.

Imagine this possible scenario: The Magic don't trade Howard and decide they can use the extra time to sell him on re-signing.

The Nets would then have to try to luring Howard to New Jersey and make sure Williams wants to stay long-term as well.

Beasley is the guy you're going to bring in to show them that you're serious about being a contender?

That's just silly.

If the Nets really want to make a run at the playoffs this season, more power to them. If it has to be without Dwight Howard, all of their focus needs to go on creating an attractive enough team for him in the offseason.

No offense to Beasley, but he shouldn't be a part of that equation.