Key Takeaways:
– Malik Beasley, with an impressive rate of 2.8 threes per game, is expected to be a sought-after free agent in the 2024 offseason.
– The Rockets, Magic, and Warriors have reportedly expressed preliminary interest in Beasley.
– Beasley’s NBA playoffs performance has likely increased his attractiveness to potential teams.
– Financial constraints may impact the Warriors’ ability to secure Beasley.
Malik Beasley Becomes Hot Commodity for Free Agent Season
Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley, who showcased an exceptional performance during the 2023-24 season, making 2.8 threes per game at a 41.3 percent shooting rate, is set to become a much-sought after free agent in the 2024 offseason. Reports from The Athletic’s Kelly Iko suggest that at least three teams, including the Rockets, Magic, and Warriors, have demonstrated early interest in signing the highly skilled guard.
Potential Suitors Battle for Beasley
As the 2024 NBA free agency period is slated to begin on June 30, these potential suitors are aligning their bids to secure the services of the sharpshooting guard. Stating in his May 21 report, Iko noted that, “Houston has identified floor spacing and shooting as an area of need this offseason, both privately and publicly, and have shown keen interest in veteran sharpshooter Malik Beasley, as have Orlando and Golden State.”
Beasley’s stellar season in Milwaukee culminated in him starting in 77 games and posting an impressive 41.3 percent from 3-point range. Despite participating in only five playoff games, he held his own, shooting a noteworthy 44 percent from the field in the first-round series against the Pacers.
Cap Space Challenges May Impact Warriors’ Bid
The Warriors might face competition from fellow interested teams, the Rockets and Magic, in their quest to secure Beasley. While the Rockets have limited cap space, they do possess a $12.9 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception (MLE) and a $4.7 million biannual exception. This could prove useful either in free agency or to acquire a player in a trade, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
To put this into perspective, Beasley’s contract with the Bucks in the 2023 offseason was a 1-year, $2.7 million veteran minimum deal. Therefore, securing a MLE or any contract over $10 million would be seen as a substantial upgrade for the veteran shooter.
On the other hand, the Magic might create around $35 million in cap room, a significant portion of which could be spent on other rumored targets such as Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. However, they also hold an $8 million room midlevel exception, which they could potentially use on Beasley.
Warriors Face Complex Offseason Decisions
For the Warriors, the situation remains more complicated. The franchise’s future plans and their ability to attract free agents like Beasley are largely dependent on deciding the fate of players like Kevon Looney, Klay Thompson, and Chris Paul. The club’s main priority for 2024 is to stay below the NBA’s second apron to reduce the luxury tax burden, as mentioned by Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
With this financial constraint, the likelihood of the Warriors enhancing their roster significantly for the 2024-25 season seems less. Possible roster changes could involve trades involving star players, with rumors already circulating about the likelihood of the front office looking to shop Andrew Wiggins.
As the date for free agency approaches, it would be intriguing to see how this dynamic chase for Beasley’s signature unfolds.