Heat decline option on Beasley’s contract
MIAMI — Another chapter on the Michael Beasley reunion tour has come to an end.
The Miami Heat have informed Beasley that they will not be picking up their $1.3 million team option on his 2015-16 contract, making him a free agent.
Beasley was brought back for a third tour with the team at midseason, amid a series of injuries to the team’s frontcourt.
While he thrived during his initial games with the team, he was shuffled to the back of the roster by season’s end.
Beasley essentially made the announcement of the Heat’s decision, posting an image of a postcard on Instagram that read, “Goodbye Miami Florida.” The accompanying hashtag read, “Wish that I can say it’s been real.”
Beasley still can be brought back at a later date at a non-guaranteed salary. Re-signing Beasley in such a matter would reduce the team’s 2015-16 hit against both the salary cap and luxury tax.
The Heat initially selected Beasley at No. 2 in the 2008 NBA draft, behind Derrick Rose. He lasted two seasons during that stint, before he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in order to clear salary-cap space to sign forward Mike Miller.
After moving from the Timberwolves to the Phoenix Suns, Beasley signed with the Heat at the start of the 2013-14 season, playing in a limited role through the team’s trip to the 2014 NBA Finals.
Beasley then was not offered a contract to return in the 2014 offseason. He then went to training camp with the Memphis Grizzlies, before signing to play in China. He signed with the Heat following the completion of his season in the China Basketball Association, where he played as an All-Star in Shanghai.
He scored a record 59 points in the All-Star Game in China before joining the Heat.
Beasley spoke after the season of possibly returning to China next season if he could not line up an NBA job.
Beasley ended the season with a 34-point, 11-rebound performance in the Heat’s closing-night victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He led the Heat in assists in two games this past season, and in scoring and rebounds in one game.
Family ties
Among those who could fill out the Heat’s summer program is Juwan Howard Jr., the Detroit Mercy forward who is the son of Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard.
Howard, 6 feet 5, played three seasons at Detroit, averaging 17.5 points this past season.
Howard, 23, went undrafted last week but had auditioned for several teams.
Winslow’s time
Heat first-round pick Justise Winslow will be formally introduced Monday by the Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Heat president Pat Riley said he envisions Winslow playing multiple positions.
“He can guard probably four positions,” Riley said of coach Erik Spoelstra being able to utilize Winslow defensively everywhere but center. “I think you saw something in the Finals this year that was a little different, when you’ve got a 6-7 forward playing center, with four other very versatile perimeter players.
“Justise is similar to Draymond Green that way. He shoots over 40 percent from three, is a great rebounder, he can bust out on dribbles and go coast-tocoast. So I think you’re going to see a very, very extremely versatile team next year with the players we have.”