Michael Beasley's Redemption: Breaking Down the Timberwolves Options at SF

Ever since Ricky Rubio decided to take his talents to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the biggest question surrounding a current Timberwolves player seems to be what to do with Michael Beasley.

While not exactly living up to the standard of a No. 2 pick in the draft, Beasley seems to have found a home with Minnesota. He averaged career highs in points and minutes and developed a nice rapport with Kevin Love. However, the Wolves still only won 17 games.

The Wolves stand at a crossroads with their No. 2 best player. Here is a look at some possible options for the Minnesota ball club. 

1. Draft Derrick Williams, Keep Beasley, Move Love to Center

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats goes up for a rebound against Jamal Coombs-McDaniel #4 and Charles Okwandu #35 of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at

As of right now, this seems to be the leading option for the team. The team was impressed with Williams in their initial workout. Williams has insisted that he is a small forward, and that he would be an asset to any NBA team.

The Timberwolves have tried this forward log jam before with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. However, it looks like Beasley and Williams are the similar players this time. There are also questions about Love's ability to hold about against true NBA big men. 

2. Draft Williams, Trade Beasley

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Michael Beasley #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after he is called for an offensive foul in the first half against the Boston Celtics on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expres

If the team selects Williams and decides to keep Love at the PF position, then Beasley would fall out of the equation.

There are definitely teams interested in Beasley's skill set, but right now more teams are interested in the prospect of selecting Williams.

The Wolves would also be more likely to get good pieces in return for the pick as opposed to Beasley.  

3. Trade the Number Two Pick for Veteran Help, Keep Beasley

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 08: Forward Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the ground after a foul by the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, T

There are white hot trade rumors floating around this scenario. The Lakers, Cavs, Pistons, and many other teams are reported to have interest in the pick. The Wolves may be able to get some veteran assets in return.

One of the more intriguing rumors is surrounding trading the No. 2 pick for Pau Gasol.  

4.Draft Enes Kanter

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul during the second half of a basketball game against the Miami Heat at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Heat defeated the Timberwolves 111- 92

Kanter seems a better fit for the Timberwolves current needs. His draft stock is rising and has the potential to be a solid NBA big man. It would also allow the Love-Beasley tandem to mature.

However, the Timberwolves have a history of major draft busts, and Kanter is not a sure thing. And the team might be slamming its head against the wall if Williams turns out to be a star.

5. Move Wes Johnson to SF

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Assistant coach Amare Stoudemire of the Rookie Team cheers alongside Wesley Johnson #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Rookie Team on from the bench during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at Staples Center

Wes Johnson does not have the same scoring capability as Michael Beasley, but he has range and good perimeter defense.

If the Wolves do decide to move their draft picks or Beasley, Johnson may be a suitable replacement at SF. This would allow the team to seek a veteran SG (possibly Rip Hamilton or Andre Igoudala).  

Priorities

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: Kevin Love #42 of the Sophomore team goes up for a shot against the Rookie team during the first half of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 12, 2010 in

In order for any of these scenarios to work, the Wolves need to keep their star player, Kevin Love, happy. So, the verdict for me is to keep Beasley due to the duo's chemistry and get some quality veteran leadership for the team.

Other thoughts?