Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Beasley

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Beasley made an impact.

Michael Beasley is an American professional basketball player known for his talent and somewhat turbulent career. After a standout freshman year at Kansas State, he was the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. Considered one of the best freshman college basketball players of the 2000s, Beasley is an ambidextrous player who shoots left-handed. He recently played for the Shanghai Sharks of the CBA.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2004: National Christian Academy Attendance

In 2004, Michael Beasley attended National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland. During his freshman year, he averaged 30 points and 10 rebounds per game.

2005: Riverdale Baptist School Attendance

In 2005, Michael Beasley attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As a sophomore, he averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game.

2006: Oak Hill Academy Attendance

In 2006, Michael Beasley attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. As a junior, he averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game.

February 23, 2008: Big 12 Record 44 Points

On February 23, 2008, Michael Beasley scored a Big 12 record 44 points in a 92–86 loss at Baylor.

April 14, 2008: NBA Draft Announcement

On April 14, 2008, Michael Beasley announced that he would forgo his last three years of college eligibility and enter the NBA draft.

June 26, 2008: NBA Draft Selection by Miami Heat

On June 26, 2008, Michael Beasley was selected 2nd overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. He later signed with the Heat on July 2.

2008: Preseason Debut and Regular Season Start

In 2008, Michael Beasley debuted in the preseason, scoring 16 points against the Detroit Pistons. On opening night of the 2008–09 regular season, Beasley scored 9 points in a loss against the New York Knicks.

2008: NBA Draft and Miami Heat Selection

In 2008, Michael Beasley declared for the NBA draft after playing college basketball for Kansas State University. He was selected as the 2nd overall pick by the Miami Heat.

2008: NBA Summer League Debut and Chest Injury

In 2008, Michael Beasley made his NBA Summer League debut, scoring 28 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in 23 minutes played. During his first official practice with the Heat, he was accidentally hit in the chest with an unidentified teammate's elbow and slightly cracked his sternum.

February 19, 2010: Career-High 30 Points

On February 19, 2010, Michael Beasley led the Miami Heat to victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a then career-high 30 points along with 8 rebounds.

July 12, 2010: Trade to Minnesota Timberwolves

On July 12, 2010, Michael Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for 2011 and 2014 second-round draft picks. This was to clear salary cap space for Miami.

November 10, 2010: Career-High 42 Points

On November 10, 2010, Michael Beasley led the Timberwolves to victory over the Sacramento Kings with a career-high 42 points along with 9 rebounds.

2011: Season Performance

In 2011-12 season, shortly after he returned from injury, Michael Beasley led the Timberwolves to victory over the Houston Rockets with 34 points. Over the 2011–12 season, he averaged 11.5 points per game.

July 20, 2012: Signing with Phoenix Suns

On July 20, 2012, Michael Beasley signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.

November 7, 2012: Performance Against Charlotte Bobcats

On November 7, 2012, in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Beasley scored 21 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and had 7 assists to help the Suns win 117–110.

January 30, 2013: Season-High 27 Points

On January 30, 2013, Michael Beasley scored a season-high 27 points with 6 rebounds and 5 steals off the bench to lead the Suns to a 92–86 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

September 11, 2013: Signing with Miami Heat

On September 11, 2013, Michael Beasley signed with the Miami Heat for a second stint.

September 25, 2014: Signing with Memphis Grizzlies

On September 25, 2014, Michael Beasley signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, but was later waived on October 9.

2014: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, Michael Beasley made his first NBA Finals appearance with the Miami Heat in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. The Heat lost the series 4-1.

February 26, 2015: Signing with Miami Heat

On February 26, 2015, Michael Beasley signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.

June 28, 2015: Heat Decline Team Option

On June 28, 2015, the Miami Heat declined to pick up their $1.3 million team option on Michael Beasley's 2015–16 contract, making him a free agent.

September 30, 2015: Beasley Signs with Shandong Golden Stars

On September 30, 2015, Michael Beasley signed with the Shandong Golden Stars, marking his return to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the 2015-16 season.

2015: CBA All-Star Game Record

During the 2015 CBA All-Star Game, Michael Beasley set a CBA record for most points in the league's All-Star Game with 59 points.

January 17, 2016: CBA All-Star Game MVP Award

On January 17, 2016, Michael Beasley won the CBA All-Star Game MVP award for the second consecutive year, scoring 63 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists for the South team.

March 4, 2016: Beasley signs with Houston Rockets

On March 4, 2016, Michael Beasley signed with the Houston Rockets, marking his return to the NBA.

September 22, 2016: Trade to the Milwaukee Bucks

On September 22, 2016, Michael Beasley was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Tyler Ennis.

November 12, 2016: Season-High Points

On November 12, 2016, Michael Beasley scored a season-high 19 points in a 106–96 win over the Memphis Grizzlies while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 10, 2017: New Season High

On January 10, 2017, Michael Beasley set a new season-high with 28 points in a 109-107 win over the San Antonio Spurs as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

August 8, 2017: Signs with the New York Knicks

On August 8, 2017, Michael Beasley signed with the New York Knicks.

November 25, 2017: Season-High 30 Points

On November 25, 2017, Michael Beasley scored a season-high 30 points starting in place of Kristaps Porziņģis in a 117–102 loss to the Houston Rockets.

December 16, 2017: Ties Season High of 30 Points

On December 16, 2017, Michael Beasley tied his season high with 30 points starting in place of Kristaps Porziņģis in a 111–96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

December 21, 2017: Season-High 32 Points

On December 21, 2017, Michael Beasley scored 28 of his season-high 32 points in the second half of the Knicks' 102–93 win over the Boston Celtics, also recording 12 rebounds.

January 10, 2018: 26 Points and 12 Rebounds

On January 10, 2018, Michael Beasley recorded 26 points and 12 rebounds off the bench in a 122-119 double overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls.

March 31, 2018: 32-Point Effort

On March 31, 2018, Michael Beasley had a 32-point effort in a 115-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons while playing for the New York Knicks.

July 23, 2018: Signs with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 23, 2018, Michael Beasley signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 7, 2019: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

On February 7, 2019, Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Mike Muscala.

February 20, 2019: Signs with Guangdong Southern Tigers

On February 20, 2019, Michael Beasley signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

July 9, 2020: Signed by Brooklyn Nets

On July 9, 2020, the Brooklyn Nets announced that they had signed Michael Beasley as a substitute player for the remainder of the 2019–20 season; however, this contract was later voided.