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Knicks Rumors: Michael Beasley has suitors in free agency

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks lays up a shot against George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Beasley; George Hill
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks lays up a shot against George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Beasley; George Hill /
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New York Knicks power forward Michael Beasley may not be as easy to re-sign as some expected him to be. Multiple suitors have emerged.

The New York Knicks are approaching an offseason that could prove somewhat uneventful, albeit while critical to the long-term success of the organization. The 2018 NBA Draft could provide the Knicks with a franchise cornerstone and free agency should at least be productive.

Limited cap space will be a significant factor, but the Knicks have a number of players to consider re-signing, including the divisive Michael Beasley.

Beasley was one of the more pleasant surprises of the 2017-18 NBA regular season. He scored at virtual will, won over the fans, and became a leader in the locker room, thus resulting in the belief that he’d be on the free agency radar.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks will have competition for Beasley in the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, amongst others.

"According to an NBA source, the Hawks and Suns have interest in Beasley and both clubs have cap space. Beasley has a home in Atlanta and is said to be intrigued.At least five teams are expected to vie for Beasley, who made his enigmatic reputation disappear as a Garden favorite when he played for the veteran’s minimum ($2.3 million) last season."

The Knicks have reason to bring Beasley back, but the competition could drive up his asking price come the 2018 period of free agency.

Beasley, 29, will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. He’ll do so following what was perhaps the best season of his NBA career, as he produced with both volume and efficiency while maintaining a somewhat significant role throughout the season.

Even if one were to dispute that comment, what’s undeniable is that Beasley proved to have value for a Knicks team that may have a void to fill at power forward in 2018-19.

With Kristaps Porzingis recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, the Knicks could be without their No. 1 scoring threat for parts of the 2018-19 season.

Beasley could help in that regard, as evidenced by his averages of 13.2 points per game and 21.3 points per 36 minutes from 2017-18. He also recorded marks of 9.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per 36, which rounds his offensive value into form.

There are concerns on the defensive end of the floor, but the recent report that head coach David Fizdale is a fan of Beasley’s could be a sign that he’s being trusted to improve.

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The New York Knicks may be interested in re-signing Michael Beasley, but there will be competition.

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