Phoenix Suns release Michael Beasley

Forward Michael Beasley just signed a three-year-$18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns last summer. On Tuesday, the Suns released Beasely following another legal run-in involving weed. Beasley was also arrested in February for excessive speeding and driving on a suspended license.

The Suns released a statement about their decision to waive Beasley.

“The Suns were devoted to Michael Beasley’s success in Phoenix,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “However, it is essential that we demand the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. Today’s action reflects our commitment to those standards. The timing and nature of this, and all of our transactions, are based on the judgment of our Basketball leadership as to how best to achieve our singular goal of rebuilding an elite team.”

“We have high standards for all of our players,” said Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough. “We expect them to represent the team and the community in a positive manner both on and off the court.”

Beasley was originally drafted by the Miami Heat and also spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. A reputation as being talented but extremely immature has followed him since college. A team in need of a ¾ off the bench with a patient staff might be inclined to pick Bease up for the low.