The Timberwolves were busy during the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline. They basically turned their entire team upsidedown. It’s the most preposterous trade deadline picture ever.
By sheer volume and luck, Minnesota was bound to strike gold with somebody, right? It looks like they did just that with Malik Beasley. Denver didn’t want to worry about what it might cost to keep him in restricted free agency. The Nuggets were willing to move on. The Timberwolves’ gamble looks like it’s paying off.
Since making the trade, Beasley has been on fire. In 11 games with the T-Wolves, Beasley is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The former first round pick from Florida is also shooting a lights out 43.9% from three-point range. Beasley has been better than advertised in a short period of time.
While it’s great that Beasley is doing so well, it also puts them in a pickle. Restricted free agency is around the corner and Beasley continues to become more expensive by the day. Minnesota already has high dollars committed to Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell. What happens if a high offer sheet comes in for Beasley? Do you really want to give up draft capital for Beasley to let him walk out the door?
The 2019-2020 season will go down as a disappointing one for the Timberwolves. Minnesota has been one of the worst teams in the league all season. They haven’t had a ton to look forward to. Malik Beasley’s development is something to make fans smile. The problem is his electric performance is a double edge sword. It will be one of the most interesting restricted free agents on the market in the offseason.
