Heat Sign Michael Beasley
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat announced Wednesday afternoon that they have signed free agent forward Michael Beasley to a non-guaranteed contract.
The Heat's interest in Beasley was first reported by Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, but the Heat denied interest in Beasley over the weekend and until Wednesday's announcement.
Beasley was drafted by the Heat with the number two overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, one spot behind Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. Since then, Beasley's career has spiraled out of control with decent performances on the court and lots of trouble off the court.
Beasley's most recent transgression came in Phoenix when he was arrested for possession of marijuana. Beasley was released by the Phoenix Suns as a result of the arrest and has a history of marijuana problems dating back to his college days.
Heat president Pat Riley said on Twitter that Beasley had his best years in Miami and that "We feel he can help us."
Beasley came into the league with plenty of potential to be a star as a scorer. He had the worst statistical year of his career last season with the Suns when he averaged just 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Beasley was last with the Heat in 2009 but was traded after the season to salary cap space the signed the Big Three in Miami.
