NBA Player Beasley Embroiled In Off-Court Case, Timberwolves May Consider Options

Malik Beasley is now in a big mess following reports that the combo guard is facing felony weapons and drug charges. He was released Sunday without being charged according to his attorney, Steve Haney.

Beasley is a restricted free-agent although most feel that he will likely be re-signed by Minnesota. The 19th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft had the inside track of being re-signed, seeing how he carries a likely reasonable pact. However, this still depends on what the T-Wolves have planned for the 2020 NBA Draft.

Minnesota owns the rights to the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and pundits see them taking in either LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards. The T-Wolves will likely want a proven guard to still start for the team with Beasley having the inside track.

But with the recent issue, there is a possibility that he could be sanctioned by the NBA although the camp of the 6-foot-4 guard seems confident they can defend the charges, ESPN reported. The T-Wolves issued a statement on the Beasley row.

"We are aware of the situation involving Malik Beasley and are in the process of gathering information at this time," part of the statement read, ABC News reported.

Per Beasley’s attorney, there were multiple people present during the incident. He believes that they can defend the allegations vigorously. However, Beasley’s woes may not be over even if they are successful in defending the charges.

The NBA could sanction Beasley if their defense fails. If so, this raises a big question mark on his future with the Wolves. Though they are certain to get a young pick in the coming NBA Draft, Head Coach Ryan Saunders and company could end up looking at other guards in the free-agent market.

One name that cropped up is former T-Wolves player Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. But as pointed out on the Locked On Wolves podcast, taking in the 25-year-old player would come at a price. LaVine is due $19.5 million in the next two years and Minnesota could opt for Beasley (before the incident) since he would cost lower.