Re: Knicks Touched Base With Malik Beasley

[RealGM Wiretap]

The New York Knicks have stayed in contact with free agent guard Malik Beasley. With it recently being reported that Beasley is no longer the target of an FBI gambling investigation, the Knicks could be an option for Beasley.

New York can offer Beasley only a veteran minimum deal. Several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, who have retained Beasley's Non-Bird rights, can offer him more. Detroit can offer the veteran guard up to $7.2 million in starting salary, while others can beat that via exceptions or cap space.

The Knicks have three open standard roster spots on the 15-man regular season roster. They will be required to get to 14 players on standard contracts in early-November. However, New York is only $3.7 million under their second-apron hard cap. That leaves room for one veteran minimum signing, as well as one rookie minimum signing. To fit in two players at the veteran minimum, New York would have to shed some additional salary in another move.

Via Stefan Bondy/New York Post

[Pickled Prunes]

There are quite a few teams that can offer Beasley more money and playing time than NYK. And Brunson and Beasley on the floor together would create some defensive challenges. I don't see it!

[BKlutch]

Even though the investigation has been dropped, Beasley has significant financial difficulties. He needs a large contract (and some self control) to work his way out of them. This means he favors signing for a larger contract.

[Joshuan3]

He'd be a great fit on the Bucks they need all the talent they can get