Malik Beasley of the Denver Nuggets has made it clear that he wants to be paid. This news stems from him denying a three-year contract extension worth $30 million right before the regular season began. However, Beasley seems to be intent on getting his money elsewhere (dare I say the Lakers, after signing with Klutch Sports), but he has not been making a good case for himself to start the year. Him fouling Ricky Rubio at half-court at the end of the fourth quarter did not help matters either. With all of this in mind, it is time to delve into three trade packages the Denver Nuggets could take a look at for Malik Beasley’s services. (Note, these are not verified rumors, just ideas. All trades were verified via ESPN Trade Machine.)
Five Trade Packages for Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley Trade Package #1
The Denver Nuggets could go with the youth route. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a rebuilding process, the thought of having a growing and developing Malik Beasley has to be enticing. Giving up Beasley for a promising shooting guard who can drill the perimeter shot would be a solid trade for Denver. Enter the rookie, Dylan Windler. In Cleveland, Beasley would get to shoulder more of a workload giving him a chance to showcase more of his skills. For Denver, they do not have to worry about overpaying a role player on their roster and get to groom another young talent. Cleveland may be hesitant to part ways with one of their rookies, but it still may be worth the call.
Malik Beasley Trade Package #2
As distasteful as it may be to trade with the Lakers, it might actually benefit Denver in the long run. The Lakers would receive a player who just signed with LeBron’s agent, meaning he would want to stay in the purple and gold, while the Nuggets get a solid role player in Troy Daniels and a second or third-round draft pick or two. This way, Denver gets some long term gratification. All while Beasley gets to finally be in a location where he wants to be long term. Not to mention, if there is any team that could afford to pay Beasley, it would be the Lakers.
Beasley Trade Package #3
The Denver Nuggets could also give the other Los Angeles team a call to see if they are interested. Jerome Robinson could be a throw-in for the Clippers along with an extra draft pick. Beasley would add depth to what is already a stacked and talented Clippers team. He could either assist in what is already a deadly second unit led by Lou Williams. If not, then he could bolster the starting unit led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Nuggets also get a role player who could fit well with their scheme, or someone they could stash away in Robinson or trade later on near the trade deadline.
All in all, it looks like Beasley’s days in the Mile High are numbered. As a result, it would make sense for Denver to get something out of him before he leaves in free agency for nothing. These three teams could be interested in the backup shooting guard and the Nuggets could get some draft picks for the future in return. However, President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, has come through before. He is not about to let down the Nuggets fan base now.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images