Former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley lost a lot of money this offseason after becoming a target of a federal investigation for gambling on NBA games. He was expected to re-sign with the Pistons on a longer-term deal, but lost that opportunity with the investigation. Now, he isn't a target of the investigation anymore, and multiple teams have inquired about adding last season's Sixth Man of the Year runner-up
The Memphis Grizzlies haven't been listed as a team interested in Malik Beasley, but his skillset is something the team covets. He is a career 39% shooter from three, including 41% each of the last two seasons, but he comes with his pros and cons. Here are the reasons the Grizzlies should or shouldn't consider adding Malik Beasley.
What Beasley could bring to Memphis?
The Grizzlies lost their two best shooters this offseason after trading Desmond Bane and allowing Luke Kennard to leave during free agency. However, their replacements aren't necessarily downgrades, as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ty Jerome are shooters in the high 30s of percentage from three throughout their careers.
They may not be career 40% shooters like Bane and Kennard, but they have each had multiple seasons of shooting over 40% from three. Malik Beasley would add more shooting to a team that is considered to take a minor step back in that department.
Why Memphis shouldn't consider adding Beasley?
More cons than pros come to mind when thinking about Malik Beasley joining the Memphis Grizzlies. He has notoriously been a bad defender throughout his career, and the Grizzlies have made efforts this offseason to add tough-minded players on that end of the floor.
He would also clog up their guard rotation, as the team's addition of Jerome solidified their starting and backup backcourt positions. Also, the Grizzlies upgraded Cam Spencer to a standard contract as a potential sharpshooter, and adding Beasley would eat into his development.
Final Verdict
Ty Jerome was a Sixth Man of the Year finalist with Beasley last season, so having both on the roster would make for a monstrous bench on the offensive end. However, Scotty Pippen Jr. balances the offense and defense needed in the backcourt with Ty Jerome for a better fit. The Grizzlies also have a full roster, which means someone would have to be released before the regular season to add Beasley.
There have been no reports of the Grizzlies being interested in Beasley, and while the fit for his shooting could work in some aspects, there are too many cons for the team to consider adding the free agent sharpshooter.