Whether the Miami Heat pick up the team option on Michael Beasley reportedly hinges, in part, on the 2015 NBA draft lottery. Miami is waiting to make its decision about Beasley's contract, but the team apparently hasn't ruled out bringing back the 26-year-old for another season.
Miami brought Beasley in for his third stint with the club in February, shortly after his season in China ended. The Heat signed him to a two-year deal with a $1.2 million team option on the second year, something they have until the end of next month to decide whether to exercise. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, team president Pat Riley hasn't ruled out keeping Beasley around for another season.
"With a June 29 deadline, the Heat (are) waiting before deciding and informing Michael Beasley whether it is picking up his 2015-16 option," Jackson wrote Thursday. "Whether Miami keeps its draft pick (91 percent chance) could factor in."
What the future holds for Beasley will become clearer after the draft lottery on May 19. Miami's first-rounder goes to the Philadelphia 76ers if it lands outside the first 10 picks. As mentioned by Jackson, there's a 91 percent chance Miami lands a top 10 pick and gets to keep its first-rounder.
Analysts have been impressed with Beasley's growth between last season and now. Beasley averaged 8.8 points and 3.7 rebounds this season with the Heat, and he closed out the regular season with a huge 34-point game against Philadelphia. Prior to signing with Miami, Beasley averaged 27.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season with the Shanghai Sharks.
Another name to keep an eye on is Luol Deng, who has a player option for next season.
