Looking back at when the Miami Heat traded first-round pick Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves so they could sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh
In 2010, the Miami Heat put together one of the best teams in NBA history when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade.
That team won two championships in four straight Finals appearances from 2010-14. It remains one of the most beloved and scrutinized teams in league history.
And it all happened because of one player: Michael Beasley.
The Heat traded Beasley that summer, paving the way for acquiring Bosh James. Beasley recently spoke about it during an appearance on the Shannon Sharpe podcast.
"Bro, I was the one that made it happen," Beasley said. "This is why I love Pat Riley because he's just as honest as they come. Maybe he knew before he was telling me but he sat down me and said, `I ain't trading you. He said, the only way I could trade you is if I can Bosh and LeBron at the same."'
Beasley was the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft. He and Derrick Rose were considered the top two players in the class. Rose won Rookie of the Year but Beasley also had a solid first season in the NBA. He averaged 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds. He then followed that up with 14.8 and 6.4 rebounds a game in his second year.
Everything was in place for Beasley to continue his growth as a player with the Heat. It never happened because Riley was already set on signing James and Bosh, especially after losing to the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. The Heat felt a major move was needed to compete in the Eastern Conference and ultimately for a championship.
"I remember being in my house, falling asleep and waking up to my phone going off," Beasley said. "Everybody was telling me I was going to Minnesota. That was like maybe two, three weeks apart, but when it happened it was just straight to Minnesota. I was upset. Hell yeah, I was upset. `Bron is my favorite player."'
After the trade, Beasley did average a career-high 19.2 points but it was peak. He then bounced around the league as a journeyman, even having another stint with the Heat.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com