The Phoenix Suns are reportedly planning to release Michael Beasley after his recent arrest. Phoenix is expected to make the move this week, ESPN reports.
Beasley's latest run-in with law, an arrest on suspicion of marijuana possession, will likely end his short tenure with the Suns. Source told ESPN that Beasley's release is imminent and is likely to happen this week.
Waiting until after Sept. 1 to release Beasley will help Phoenix's salary cap situation.
"By waiting until after Sept. 1 to waive Beasley, Phoenix can pay out the $6 million owed to the 24-year-old forward in 2013-14 on the NBA's standard pay schedule and then stretch the remaining $3 million guaranteed on Beasley's deal in 2014-15 over multiple seasons," Marc Stein of ESPN wrote.
The trade of Caron Butler to the Milwaukee Bucks softens the salary cap hit Phoenix will take by creating almost $6 million in cap space.
Beasley was arrested on Aug. 6 following a traffic stop, according to the Associated Press. Police smelled marijuana during the traffic stop and eventually found three cigarettes believed to contain the drug.
Marijuana problems have followed Beasley since being selected as the No. 2 overall in the 2008 NBA draft. He admitted to violating the NBA drug policy twice while in Miami, and in 2009 he entered a treatment facility. In June 2011, Beasley was ticketed for marijuana possession and speeding while in Minnesota.
Beasley signed a three-year, $18 million contract with Phoenix last summer. He had an underwhelming season, averaging a career-worst 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
At his introductory new conference, Beasley said he was finished with marijuana.
"I realize 10 minutes of feeling good is not really worth putting my life and my career and my legacy in jeopardy," he said, via ESPN, "so I'm confident to say that that part of my career, that part of my life, is over and won't be coming back."
