Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed that the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking into a reunion with Malik Beasley. The 28-year-old guard underwent a gambling investigation that was recently concluded. Beasley is one of the league's best shooters and bench scorers. Notably, the Detroit Pistons sharpshooter ranked second in total made 3s behind Anthony Edwards last season.
However, one of the more significant parts of Fischer's recent report is that he notes "Beasley will ultimately be seeking a deal north of the veteran minimum and would figure to command that." The Wolves do have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.7 million, and in a vacuum, Beasley is worth more than that. Nevertheless, this would trigger the second apron for the second straight year for Minnesota. As a result, the Wolves have another reason to avoid signing Beasley, and it's unlikely this move will occur.
The many concerns of signing Beasley
In addition to the financial concerns and the natural concerns of signing someone coming off such a serious investigation (who still could be suspended), Beasley doesn't fit with the Wolves roster. As an elite off-ball shooter who shouldn't be handling the ball much, Beasley has an overlapping skill set with Donte DiVincenzo. Sure, doubling down on shooting could make some sense, and DiVincenzo's injury could be more serious than the Wolves are letting on. However, this isn't a skill set the Wolves really need, and it's not worth the financial risk attached to it.
Beasley would also take away opportunities from the Wolves' young trio of Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark. The Wolves have to see what they have with these young guys. They spent a lottery pick and traded up to get Dillingham, plus Shannon and Clark have shown plenty of flashes. Signing Beasley would go against the belief the Wolves have shown in their young talent all summer long.
Being a second apron team for another year is less than ideal and something the Wolves will look to avoid. This significantly limits the team's flexibility and isn't sustainable for multiple years. The Wolves should only go into the second apron if they land a star and the move clearly moves them toward winning the title. While last season's Sixth Man of the Year runner-up is a quality player, he's not that level of player.
Given this and his odd fit with DiVincenzo, the Wolves must avoid signing Beasley. For a team like the New York Knicks, which has known interest in Beasley and needs more bench scoring, signing the Florida State product is more understandable. Regardless, Beasley simply is the wrong fit for the Wolves, and the financial aspect of this adds to the list of reasons why Minnesota must avoid signing him.