Michael Beasley Drawing Significant Interest

The Lakers have been linked to Michael Beasley multiple times in recent weeks, reportedly having turned down an offer that would've had them giving up a first-round pick. Los Angeles isn't the only team going after Beasley though. According to Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld, the Magic, Rockets, and a few other teams are still in the mix.

The Timberwolves had been looking to move Beasley, who isn't in the team's long-term plans, for just a draft pick. Ingram says, however, that the increased interest in the former second overall pick means Minnesota could acquire a piece that would help the team remain in playoff contention this season. The T-Wolves are currently a game behind Houston for eighth place in the West, though Ricky Rubio's season-ending ACL injury has put a damper on this season's optimism.

The Magic offered Jason Richardson for Beasley, according to Ingram. As glaring a need as a two guard is for the Wolves, I'd imagine they'd be a little apprehensive about taking on Richardson — the 31-year-old is averaging a career-low 12.2 PPG and has three years and $18MM+ remaining on his deal after this season.

The Nets and Celtics also are thought to have some interest in Beasley.

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