Michael Beasley's 27 points off the bench in a win over the Clippers last night apparently aren't swaying the Timberwolves, who are pushing hard to trade him, perhaps to the Celtics, tweets A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.
Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reports that while the Nets, Rockets and Lakers have all had talks with the Wolves about Beasley, Boston is in the lead for his services. The deal would center around the expiring contract of Jermaine O'Neal, who's making close to $6.23MM this year.
Our Luke Adams profiled Beasley's trade candidacy yesterday. The fourth-year forward is averaging career lows in almost every major statistical category, despite his strong performance last night. Nonetheless, he was the second pick in the draft in 2008, and at only 23, his still-bright potential will make him a sought-after restricted free agent this summer.
O'Neal, averaging 5.0 PPG and 5.4 RPG in 22.8 minutes a night, is probably not in the Wolves' long-term plans. It's also hard to see where he fits in Minnesota's crowded frontcourt now, especially with the recent emergence of Nikola Pekovic. That the Wolves would ship out Beasley, whom they could simply just let go this summer, for little in return suggests that Minnesota simply doesn't want Beasley around.
Seems like they should be able to get SOMETHING better for Beasley. Don’t see any reason in sending him away so cheaply.
Cap relief
This would not go down well in Minnesota. Beasley can take over games from time to time and has/can helped the Wolves win games. I understand that they are not likely to bring him back next year but just giving him away now – when they have a shot a making the playoffs – seems really foolish. O’Neal is useless and they don’t need cap relief in March-April- they need players who can contribute.
They want to get Derek Williams more involved.
Could be the Wolves need the cap space for some other deal?
Obtaining O’neal is giving him away… why not keep him through this season… if he blows up we reap the benefits
“Little in return” is more than “nothing in return” (should be depart via free agency).