OKC Thunder trade primer: Taking advantage of the circus in Los Angeles

Michael Beasley

2018-19 – $3,500,000
2019-20 – UFA

Michael “your player’s favorite player” Beasley is essentially Carmelo Anthony-lite, a version of the future Hall of Famer who can score the rock but can’t do much else. After having a career reviving year last season, the big man has struggled to crack into the rotation and spent a bulk of the 2018-19 season warming the bench.

Beasley is a strong post player capable of torching smaller forwards or beating legitimate fours off the bounce. In his best game of the year, Beasley highlighted his potential as a microwave scoring posting 19 points in 19 minutes of playing time.

The fit with Beasley is questionable given how Melo fit alongside Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Dennis Schroder. However, his ability to create his own shot would benefit the Thunder greatly as the offense is prone to stagnation. The second unit in particular struggles to score outside of Schroder and Nerlens Noel..

With Beasley originally shunning the Thunder in the off-season, the 29-year-old could receive a reprieve should OKC elect to trade for him.

Possible trade

The beauty of a trade for Beasley is OKC could get him for hot air, a bag of Dorito’s and some basketballs. He is currently out of the rotation and doesn’t appear to be close to getting more consistent playing time.

As I alluded to earlier, LBJ loves veterans and Felton would fit well behind Rajon Rondo. Beasley assumes the miniature sausage’s role though one would assume he would see the floor thanks to his abiilty to score the ball.

Final Thought

The Los Angeles Lakers are a mess and are definitely looking to make a deal. With trade rumors swirling around the team, LA’s young guns have become disengaged with the franchise and this was particularly obvious in the 41-point loss to the Victor Oladipo-less Indiana Pacers.

Now in his 16th season, time is ticking on the King and one thing is for certain – the Lakers aren’t done making deals.