NBA News: Former No. 2 Pick Michael Beasley Agrees To Non-Guaranteed Contract With Memphis Grizzlies
The former number two pick is looking for the best opportunity to showcase his talents and stay in the NBA.
Michael Beasley, the guy who once was touted as the heir to Dwayne Wade's Miami Heat, has agreed to a non-guaranteed deal with the Memphis Grizzlies as training camps open up next week. "Beas" was previously working out with the San Antonio Spurs in hopes of making the championship team's roster but ultimately chose the Grizzlies for the opportunity to secure a back-up power forward slot as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Free agent forward Michael Beasley has reached agreement on a deal with Memphis, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) September 23, 2014
After being selected second behind Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose in the 2008 NBA Draft, Beasley has been scraping for a chance to redeem his career and reputation. He returned to the heat last year and averaged almost 8 points on 50% shooting but his defensive inadequacies have led to him being used sparingly during the playoff run. His best performance was with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he formed a promising trio with Darko Milicic and Kevin Love as he normed 19 points per game.
Now, he is looking to for the chance to back-up Zach Randolph and fend off other players such as Jon Leuer and Jarnell Stokes. The Grizzlies are banking on a low risk high reward signing with the 25-year-old player as they have proved in the past that the franchise can transform troubled but talented players like Randolph.