The Detroit Pistons Need Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is having a big year for the Detroit Pistons — and the organization needs to retain him when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The Detroit Pistons are 11-16. As the season continues to move along it has become apparent that, while the Pistons are a much better team than they were this past season, they are still a long shot to find themselves in the playoffs come April.
But it was vital that Detroit made some sort of leap this year — and they have. President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, made a conscious effort to add veteran players to the roster, ones capable of filling rotational roles. He traded for Tim Hardaway Jr. and followed through on the prophecy of bringing Tobias Harris back to Detroit.
Yet perhaps the most impactful veteran addition was the most surprising move of Detroit’s summer. Langdon coaxed veteran wing Malik Beasley to sign a one-year, $6 million(?!) contract.
Beasley has been nothing short of stellar since joining the organization. In 28 minutes per game, he’s averaged 16.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and two assists per game on 43.7/41.4/74.4 shooting splits. Beasley has largely served as the team’s sixth man but has been an admirable addition to the starting lineup when called upon.
The 28-year-old guard has brought a level of play, leadership, and attitude that was much needed for a young and inexperienced Detroit core. His contract is one of the best values across the league.
The only problem is that it ends after this season.
Beasley will be an unrestricted free agent come next July. The Pistons will likely have several competitors for Beasley’s services if he finishes the season with Detroit. If Detroit remains on the edge of a Play-In Tournament spot, the organization may look to be sellers by the trade deadline in February.
Hardaway Jr. could be available. Ditto for Simone Fontecchio, who re-signed with the team this past summer. The Pistons may make Beasley available, too. But if they do, a firm asking price should be held.
If a contender wants to give up a first-round pick for Beasley, Detroit should listen to that offer. But a package built on second-round draft picks is not enticing for a player of Beasley’s caliber.
Even if the Pistons miss the playoffs this year, the organization will likely have sights set on making the postseason next year.
This version of Beasley will help in that regard.
Beasley has seemingly been enjoying his time with the franchise. He has been given a significant role, been endeared by fans, and has family in the area. It is not out of the question that Beasley would consider re-signing with the Pistons. Detroit should be very interested in making that happen.
Given his production, age, and veteran impact, retaining Beasley should be a priority for Detroit. If he were to re-sign with the organization it would eat into the team’s cap space, of which the Pistons have plenty of. Beasley is worth more than $6 million he is currently being paid annually and would likely be interested in signing a longer-term deal considering his last two contracts have been for just one season.
Beasley just turned 28-years-old. Signing him to a two or three-year deal would be ideal. Langdon and the rest of Detroit’s front office have to determine if they will meet whatever his value on the market is.
Regardless of what happens, Beasley has been a phenomenal addition to the Detroit Pistons. Though it would be a shame to see the partnership end after just one season.
Looking for something else to read? Check out this wonderful piece on University of Michigan big man Danny Wolf from
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