Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Minneapolis, July 9, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Miami Heat side might not exactly regret the giving away of the 2008 No.2 overall draft pick Michael Beasley if LeBron James signs up eventually. The positive to take from the trade is that they have found a suitable taker for the young player in the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also traded the future 2011 second round pick with the Miami Heat to complete the trade. The two teams have also agreed to a swap of the first round picks in the 2011 NBA Drafts.

Michael Beasley has been absorbed quite easily into the Minnesota Timberwolves because of their relatively empty salary cap space. The move has also given the Miami Heat the financial flexibility to accommodate the dramatic change in their rosters. Miami Heat are looking at a roster that will boast of the King of the free agents, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. The announcement of LeBron James on Thursday that he would be joining Miami has forced Miami Heat side to make as much free space as possible. The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly signed a contract with Michael Beasley with a $4.9 million salary for the next season. He averages 14.8 points per game and 6.4 rebounds in his 78 games so far.

In the last two seasons Michael Beasley has averaged 14.3 points per game and 5.9 rebounds for the Miami Heat. There are some questions about his maturity considering his off court activities. He was involved in a drugs controversy that also included other fellow rookies in 2008. Though not charged, he was later forced to confess by Pat Riley that he was present in the room where the police busted the players but had sneaked out before the arrival of the cops. He has also checked into rehabilitation once.