Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Beasley set to sign with New York Knicks
By Adam McGee
After rehabilitating his career with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Michael Beasley will reportedly sign a one-year deal with the New York Knicks.
Having earned a reputation as a fan favorite with Milwaukee Bucks fans last year, it looks as if Michael Beasley is set to move on for a new challenge after just one season with the team.
Beasley had to wait a little longer than most free agents this summer to come to terms on a deal, and it was thought that he may have ended up overseas for next season.
According to a report from Mike Scotto of Basketball Insiders, Beasley will stay in the NBA to sign with the New York Knicks.
New York Knicks and former No. 2 overall pick Michael Beasley are nearing agreement on a one-year deal, a league source told @BBallInsiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 8, 2017
More from Bucks News
- Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
- Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
- Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
- Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
- New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited
Beasley’s one-year deal will almost certainly be a one-year minimum as the Knicks have little flexibility to offer anything more substantial.
The former second overall pick is the second person to leave the Bucks for the Knicks in recent days, as he follows in the footsteps of Craig Robinson who will take up a front office role in the Big Apple.
According to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, that comes as no coincidence either, as Beasley had built a good relationship with Robinson in his role as vice president of player personnel and organizational development.
NYK VP player development Craig Robinson's impact on Knicks felt already. He developed relationship w/ Michael Beasley last season w/ Bucks.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) August 8, 2017
As things stand, Beasley would project to be a bench player in New York, just as he was in Milwaukee last season. If a Carmelo Anthony trade was to finally come to fruition, that could see the 28-year-old take on a more significant role, though.
As was alluded to earlier, Beasley did also field interest from overseas with China’s Shandong Golden Stars particularly keen on a reunion. During his time in Shandong in 2016, Beasley earned CBA Foreign MVP honors.
According to international basketball reporter David Pick, BEasley ultimately left money on the table to stay in the NBA.
Shandong offered over $3M to re-sign Michael Beasley, but he wanted the Knicks. His NBA net income is less than he'd make in China.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) August 8, 2017
For his time as a Buck, Beasley averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 16.7 minutes per game across 56 games. Beasley averaged 53.2 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from deep and 74.3 percent from free throw range.
Next: Win In 6 Podcast #141: Front office, Herd coaching hires
The Bucks may well be left to rue Beasley’s absence in the second unit this season, but the majority of the team’s fans will wish him well in his next chapter.