Miami, FL – The Miami Heat signed troubled free-agent forward Michael Beasley on Wednesday.
Beasley, who was released by the Phoenix Suns last week, was originally selected by the Heat with the second overall pick in the 2008 draft.
The former Kansas State standout spent two seasons with the Heat before being traded to the Timberwolves. Beasley averaged a career-best 19.2 points in his first season with the Timberwolves in 2010-11, but has seen his production decline in the two years since.
"Michael had the best years of his career with us," said Heat president Pat Riley. "We feel that he can help us."
Beasley struggled last season with the Suns, averaging career lows of 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 75 games and being relegated to a bench role for much of the campaign. There were problems off the court as well, with the 24- year-old investigated by Scottsdale police in regards to an alleged sexual assault that took place at his home in January. He was arrested last month in an unrelated incident, with police citing Beasley for marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop.
In 354 career games (197 starts) with Miami, Minnesota and Phoenix, Beasley has averaged 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In his two seasons in Miami, Beasley helped guide the Heat to two consecutive postseason berths, appearing in 12 playoff games and averaging 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds.
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