Malik Beasley was seen by many as likely to be returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. But all this was before a recent off-court case where the 23-year-old is now facing felony weapons and drug charges.
According to a report from ESPN, Beasley was arrested Saturday and was charged with felony controlled substance/narcotics and felony receiving/concealing stolen property charges based on the Hennepin County jail records. He was released on Sunday without being charged per his attorney, Steve Haney.
"At the time of the incident, multiple individuals were present at the residence," Haney said in a statement. "The allegations against Malik will be defended vigorously."
It was on Sunday when authorities were called to Beasley’s residence a day earlier on a reported weapons offense. Some locals had reported that they had stopped their car in front of the house and someone walked up to their vehicle, tapped on the vehicle window, pointed a gun at them and advised them to get off of the property.
Though it appears the whole issue is about Beasley not wanting unknown people lingering around his property, such has dragged him into a bigger mess. Regardless, Haney believes that they can weather these charges and prove the allegations wrong.
However, it remains that Beasley will be in for bigger battles. The NBA could still mete out sanctions if the case does not go his way.
As for his future, it all depends if Beasley and his camp can prove themselves. The Timberwolves are aware of the situation and such could factor in with their NBA offseason plans.
"We are aware of the situation involving Malik Beasley and are in the process of gathering information at this time," the Timberwolves said in a statement.
Beasley put up good numbers last NBA season, averaging 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 14 games per Basketball-Reference. His production was a big improvement compared to the time when he was still with the Denver Nuggets.
The T-Wolves own the rights to the top pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Critics feel they will take in either LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards. However, Beasley is still expected to be re-signed and likely be backed up by the rookie they take in. But depending on the outcome of the hearings, the big question now is if this will affect Beasleys’ chances of returning to Minnesota. There is a chance that Ryan Saunders could explore the free-agent market from someone who is cost-friendly for next season.
