What if I told you that a player who was averaging less than eight points per game at the trade deadline was a quality return for one of the best defenders in the league?
That is exactly what happened when Malik Beasley, along with others, came to the Minnesota Timberwolves from Denver in a massive four-team trade involving 12 total players.
When the trade happened, Beasley was considered to be the centerpiece of the Timberwolves' return. But why? To that point in the season, Beasley's efficiency, points, rebounding, and assist numbers all took a dip from the year prior.