According to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post, the Celtics may be leaning towards acquiring Michael Beasley.
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The Lakers, also in dire need of a legitimate scoring threat at small forward, have genuine interest in Michael Beasley, but it’s doubtful they’ll use the $8.9 million trade exception (from Lamar Odom being shipped to Dallas) to acquire him because of the increased luxury tax consequences stemming from the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman recently committed to boosting Derrick Williams’ minutes, making Beasley extraneous. Minnesota is pushing hard to relocate his $6.2 million expiring contract and have the Nets and Celtics leaning.
Beasley has had his problems on and off the court, but one fact remains clear about his game: he can put the ball in the basket. As a team that has had a huge problem achieving this, are the Celtics not the perfect suitors for this young man?
As a contributor alongside KG, Paul, Ray, and with Doc's tutelage, don’t you think he may learn a lot as well? We all know maturity has always been an issue, but this could be a great opportunity to grab a building block as he is extremely talented. If it fails, his contract expires in the off-season and we can waive him goodbye.
It’s hard to say what Danny will have to give up to get him, but I’m sure the last thing this young surging Timberwolves team needs is an unhappy and sulking Beasley wasting away on their bench. Remember, Beasley is only 23 years old and very well could have a bright future in this league. Jermaine O’Neal would most likely have to go in this trade because his contract matches up with Beasley’s. I’m sure Minnesota would try to get one of either JaJuan Johnson or Avery Bradley as well to improve their young core. It may be very risky, but if the Celtics want to make one last run then this trade may be the one to make.