Knicks Sign Michael Beasley To One-Year, $2.1M Deal

The New York Knicks announced on Tuesday that they have signed veteran forward Michael Beasley to a one-year deal.

Michael Beasley Knicks deal news

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks and several sources informed of the agreement, the deal is worth Beasley’s minimum, which is approximately $2.1 million.

Beasley, 28, was drafted by the Miami Heat as the No. 2 overall pick in 2008 and spent six interrupted seasons with the team (2008-2010, 2013-2014, 2015). The 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward has also played with the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets and most recently spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Last season, Beasley averaged 9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 16 minutes per game in 56 games in Milwaukee. He also shot a career-high 54.5 percent from the field while taking 7.3 shots per game.

Beasley also played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he was named the Foreign MVP in 2016 and a two-time All-Star in 2015 and 2016 after playing with the Shanghai Sharks (2014-2015) and the Shandong Golden Stars (2015-2016).

It remains unclear where exactly on the Knicks’ depth chart Beasley will figure, although he could temporarily replace Carmelo Anthony should the team trade the veteran forward.

The top pick in Beasley’s draft class, former Bulls forward Derrick Rose, played a year with the Knicks before signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency last month.

With Ramon Sessions also officially signing his deal, the Knicks have 15 NBA contracts on their roster and one player — Luke Kornet — on a two-way contract. Unless they release a player, the team will have space for only one more two-way contract.

The Knicks’ new general manager Scott Perry and new president Steve Mills have added several new members to their front office, including former First Lady Michelle Obama’s brother Craig Robinson as vice president for player development and G-League operations. Meanwhile, Gerald Madkins was named assistant general manager and Harold Ellis was announced as the new director of player personnel

Clarence Gaines Jr., — the former vice president for player personnel — has been demoted to scout. Gaines was the only basketball operations executive former Knicks president Phil Jackson brought in, and he reportedly was the man behind the recommendation of Kristaps Porzingis before the team chose to draft him.

HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 14: Michael Beasley #8 of the Houston Rockets drives with the basketball against Ray McCallum #5 of the Memphis Grizzlies during their game at the Toyota Center on March 14, 2016 in Houston, Texas.