Should OKC Thunder Take Gamble on Malik Beasley in Free Agency?

With an $8.5 million mid-level exception still available, the Thunder could be in the running to add Beasley if they choose to pursue him. While Oklahoma City can’t offer the most for Beasley, the opportunity to win a championship could sway him toward the Thunder.

From the Thunder’s perspective, they already have 15 players on standard contracts for next season, meaning they would have to part ways with someone to make this deal happen. Even if the Thunder are willing to send out someone such as Ousmane Dieng, there are still some questions about Beasley’s fit.

Last season, Beasley was second in the league in total 3-pointers with 319, knocking down a career-best 41.6% of his 9.3 outside shots per game. In the playoffs, Beasley made only 33.9% of his threes, still taking nearly 10 a night across six games in the first round.

If the Thunder believe Beasley can hold up defensively and be a bit more consistent in the postseason, it might be worth the risk. With Beasley playing every game last season, the Pistons were 11th in defensive rating, which could point to his defense being only a minor concern, especially if he were to join the Thunder’s elite defense.

While there are plenty of concerns about Beasley’s defense, his offense could give the Thunder an added boost, particularly in the postseason. In the championship run, the Thunder shot only 33.8% from deep, and with Beasley having a lighter load in Oklahoma City, he could certainly enhance that efficiency playing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Add in his 16.3 points per game last season, and he could be a perfect fit in the starting lineup when the Thunder are facing injuries or want to rest guys. Considering the weapon Isaiah Joe has been in the regular season for Oklahoma City, Beasley could be yet another great fit to enhance the Thunder’s spacing.