Washington Wizards Free Agent Options, Bucks Forward Michael Beasley

Washington Wizards free agency news is somewhat slow as the contract status of restricted free agent Otto Porter plays out. In the meantime, as the team continues to look for ways to improve its bench, we looked at another potential low-cost free agent option, Michael Beasley.

With the exodus of Jimmy Butler and Paul George, some have taken to calling the Eastern Conference, the “Easy”. Yet, there is nothing easy about the Washington Wizards road to the Eastern Conference Finals next season, after they stood pat this offseason, by retaining their core and starting lineup.

The Wizards still need to bolster their bench. They don’t have to look much further than their own backyard, to Maryland’s own Michael Beasley of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Coming off the bench, during the regular season, the former overall 2nd pick in the 2008 draft, averaged 9.4 points per game, shooting 53.2% from the field, and 41% from the three-point line in 56 games. In 4 postseason games he shot 60% from behind the arc.

Most importantly, he showed up during the playoffs. Although his averages were down, the Bucks won when Beasley got his highest amount of minutes, scoring 13 points in 20 minutes.

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There are reports that the Warriors are eyeing the unrestricted free agent, but I believe Washington has a chance in picking up Beasley.

His contract with the Bucks was just a little over $1.4 million, and the Wizards without going deep into their payroll or by using some of the midlevel exception, could easily afford to outbid the Warriors who are over their cap.

Bojan Bogdanovic is reportedly seeking $16 million a year, and that’s not a figure I believe Washington is comfortable with at the moment. I’m confident someone will sign Bo Buckets. But, I believe the Wizards’ money and talent would be better spent with the Maryland native.

The Wizards would not have to give up anything in return, as they did for Bo. Similar to Bo Buckets, the 28-year old Beasley is versatile, and can play both the small and power forward positions. I believe this a win-win situation for both sides.

This offseason, the Wizards have not made any game changing moves. Nothing that moved the needle, to make one think, that this is the year that they make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Don’t let Beasley go out West to the Warriors, when he could stay in the East and be a productive member to Washington’s weak bench, while at the same time just paying him the veteran minimum.

I believe that Beasley, especially with his price point, would be a great addition to the bench, and a solid backup to either or both, Otto Porter and Markieff Morris.

Especially for Porter, the same player who went scoreless in an elimination game 6, against the Boston Celtics. And for Morris, who picks up quick fouls in the first quarter. When Morris is out, the Wizards lose their momentum, but with Beasley on the floor, Washington’s rhythm shouldn’t skip a beat.

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Washington needs more scoring options coming off the bench, and also veteran leadership. Ian Mahinmi isn’t walking through that door, he may hobble through it. Tomas Satoransky isn’t yet ready to be a primary backup, point guard or lead the offense.

If the Wizards acquire Beasley, it isn’t a bold move, but a good move, nonetheless. The bench has been the weakest link, and Beasley can help plug it, from losing points that the Wizards’ starters had built up.

In Game 7 against Boston, with Washington just one game from the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics bench scored 43-points to the Wizards’ bench of 5 points, and all of those bench points came from Bogdanovic. Not to say that the bench production would have been different if Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Jason Smith got more playing time.

But the coaching staff, for whatever reason didn’t trust the bench in the most important game of the season. The Wizards cannot beat a number 1 seed, such as Boston or the Cleveland, with half a team.

If the Wizards keep the same roster, they will again end up in fourth place in the standings, and not make the Eastern Conference Finals. If they make solid acquisitions to their second-unit, instead of making the team top-heavy, then Washington has a fighting chance.

The Wizards are only as strong as their bench, and conversely they are just as weak as their bench.

Everyone knows that the problem lies with the bench. Now is the time for Washington to address the problem, not at the February trade deadline, while giving up draft picks in order to do so.

The Washington Wizards should acquire Michael Beasley while he’s still available.

Next: Whether to Re-sign Otto Porter isn't the Question

And with a strong bench and a defensive mindset, there is nothing preventing the Wizards from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.