Malik Beasley’s free agency saga has been one of the most intriguing stories in the NBA this summer. From seemingly having a secure contract with the Detroit Pistons, to facing a sudden halt in his market due to a federal gambling investigation, Beasley has had a rollercoaster ride. But now, with the investigation behind him and a clean slate, the sharpshooter is once again a hot commodity in the NBA’s free agent market.
Just a few weeks ago, Beasley was all set to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with the Pistons. It seemed like a perfect fit for both parties – the Pistons were in need of a shooter to complement their young core, and Beasley was ready to take on a bigger role after a breakout season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the promising deal came to a screeching halt when news broke of a federal investigation into Beasley’s gambling activities.
This sudden turn of events left Beasley’s future in limbo. His potential contract with the Pistons was put on hold and other teams who had shown interest in him, such as the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks, withdrew their offers. It seemed like Beasley’s career was at a standstill, with uncertainty looming over his free agency.
But now, with the investigation behind him and no charges filed, Beasley finds himself back in the mix for teams looking to add some shooting to their roster. And one team that could greatly benefit from his services is the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers, who are coming off their championship-winning season, are always on the lookout for ways to improve their roster. And with the departure of Danny Green, who was a key three-point shooter for them, Beasley could be a valuable addition to their team.
Here are three ways the Lakers can bring back the veteran shooter and bolster their chances of repeating as champions:
1. Use their mid-level exception
The Lakers currently do not have much cap space to offer Beasley a lucrative contract. However, they do have the $9.3 million mid-level exception that they can use to sign him. This would be a win-win situation for both parties – Beasley would get a decent contract and a chance to compete for another championship, while the Lakers would fill a void in their roster with a proven shooter.
2. Sign Beasley to a one-year deal
Another option for the Lakers would be to sign Beasley to a one-year deal, using their mid-level exception or veteran minimum. This would give Beasley a chance to prove himself once again and showcase his abilities to the rest of the league. It would also give the Lakers flexibility to re-sign him to a bigger deal if he performs well, or pursue other options if he doesn’t live up to expectations.
3. Use a sign-and-trade deal
If the Lakers are unable to fit Beasley into their salary cap, they could explore a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves. This would involve the Lakers signing Beasley to a new contract and then trading him to the Timberwolves in exchange for players or draft picks. This would not only benefit the Lakers, who would acquire a talented shooter, but also the Timberwolves, who would receive assets in return for a player they might not have been able to re-sign.
In conclusion, Malik Beasley’s free agency saga has been a wild ride, but it has also opened up possibilities for teams looking for a talented shooter. And for the Lakers, who are always looking to improve their roster, signing Beasley could be a valuable move. With the right contract and role, Beasley could make a significant impact on the Lakers’ quest for back-to-back championships.