Phoenix Suns waive troubled forward Michael Beasley
The Phoenix Suns have waived Michael Beasley.
Beasley agreed to a $7 million buyout, saving the organization $2 million and creating much needed cap space for this year and next, reports Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
Beasley will get $4.66 million this year and 2.33 million over the next three years.
The release comes a little more than 13 months after signing him to a three-year, $18 million free agent contract.
“The Suns were devoted to Michael Beasley’s success in Phoenix,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby in a press release. “However, it is essential that we demand the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. Today’s action reflects our commitment to those standards. The timing and nature of this, and all of our transactions, are based on the judgment of our Basketball leadership as to how best to achieve our singular goal of rebuilding an elite team.”
The troubled forward arrived in the desert with hopes of reviving a once-promising career.
He leaves with his career — and reputation — in shambles.
Beasley’s play on the court was at best inconsistent, as he averaged career lows in points (10.1) and rebounds (3.8) per game while shooting a career-worst .405 from the field. A starter at the beginning of the season, Beasley was moved to the bench, playing just 20.7 minutes per night.
However, while his on-court play was lacking, it was the 24-year-old’s off-court issues that led to his release.
In January, he was cited for multiple driving offenses in Scottsdale, and in May he found himself under investigation for alleged sexual assault. Things seemed to quiet down for him after that, until Aug. 6 when it was learned he was arrested by Scottsdale Police for marijuana possession.
“We have high standards for all of our players,” said Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough in the press release. “We expect them to represent the team and the community in a positive manner both on and off the court.”
Originally selected with the second-overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, Beasley has career averages of 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while playing for the Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Suns.
