While trading for Dwight Howard is obviously the Nets' Plan A, the club is also preparing backup options in case they cannot swing a trade for the big man. One of those options is forward Michael Beasley and Billy King & Co. have spoken with the Timberwolves about acquiring him, according to Fred Kerber of the New York Post.
Beasley, 23, could allow the Nets to be "buyers" at the deadline without compromising their cap flexibility this offseason. The Kansas State product is in the final year of his deal and earning $6.2MM. In the short term, Beasley could be played at the small forward position where the Nets are in desperate need of support.
Alternatively, the Nets could also turn into sellers at the deadline as Mehmet Okur, DeShawn Stevenson, Damion James, Sundiata Gaines, Shelden Williams, and Kris Humphries all have expiring contracts. Humphries holds a no-trade clause thanks to his impending Bird rights.
The Celtics have been linked to Beasley and the Lakers are also said to be interested in the forward.
Of the 6 free agents for the nets, 3 guys should be back next season, gaines, williams, and humphries. Gaines has been the best 3rd pg the nets have had in a long time and williams has been a solid backup C. Humphries is really starting to play well. His defense has improved dramatically and his offense is better as well. I think if dwight were to become a free agent at the end of the year ad he signed with the nets, nets cannot have brook & dwight on same team and hump is a better fit at the pf than lopez. Lopez could be traded for josh smith as I had wanted to happen before this season began.
Regarding Beasley, nets should stay away. They would have to give up either morrow or farmar or a 1st, all pieces that could help land dwight or regardless help next season.