Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 9:30pm

T-WOLVES TRADE FOR BEASLEY

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired forward Michael Beasley from the Miami Heat for second-round draft picks in 2011 and 2014 and cash.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
This is a potential steal for the Timberwolves, but only if Beasley can manage to grow out of his off-court issues and play a little more defense. Beasley is a risk to be sure, but as the No.2 overall pick of the 2008 Draft he has near-elite talent. A gifted scorer and rebounder who can play either small forward or power forward, Beasley looks to be a cornerstone player for Minny in the coming years. This addition only adds credence to rampant rumors the T-Wolves will trade big Al Jefferson, since he, Beasley, and Kevin Love all play power forward. Darko Milicic appears set to be the team's starting center (although Love could move to that spot if Beasley wins the top job at the 4-spot).

What does it give the Miami Heat
On its own this deal isn't a good one for Miami, since they're essentially trading a potential star for some not-so-great picks. Yet getting Beasley's contract off the books is essential for Miami in their massive off-season rebuilding plan (after adding superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and re-signing Dwyane Wade). The Heat need the salary to sign support types for their super-trio, and Beasley would not have been a good fit as a backup to either James or Bosh.

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