The hot rumor all over Memphis, apparently, isn't that David Lee rubbish. Michael Beasley's the new objet de la coeur for the Grizzlies, who -- according to numerous reports -- are trying to figure out how cheaply they can get him from Miami. Chris Herrington of the Memphis Flyer adds two and two:Over the past couple of days, I've heard from three different team-connected sources that something may be happening with Beasley. Mind you, these are all people without direct connection to any potential negotiations and no-one has quite the same tale to tell: One source says Mike Conley is included but not the #5 pick, another says Mike Miller is included but not Conley, and the third didn't have any particulars but had the sense that something is afoot involving Beasley. I don't put much stock into any of these tips individually, but, collectively, it's clear that there's a lot of scuttle about a potential Beasley deal surrounding the team.ESPN's Chad Ford pushed the Conley version Tuesday, but this morning both the Miami Herald and the Memphis Commercial-Appeal indicate Conley is off the table.
Obviously, the previously rumored Kyle Lowry-Miller-#5 package -- even with Mark Blount coming back -- would be a stellar swap for Memphis. Miami isn't likely to get a better offer, and if they land Brook Lopez at #5, they could be getting 3/5ths of their 2008-09 starting lineup in the deal. But this is Michael Beasley. I'd reject the deal. But unlike Pat Riley, I'm not all that worried about the kid's future.
