What is Michael Beasley's net worth and salary?
Michael Beasley is an American professional basketball player who has a net worth of $10 million.
Michael Paul Beasley Jr. emerged as one of the most hyped basketball prospects of his generation, showcasing an extraordinary scoring ability that led to his selection as the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. A dynamic 6'9″ forward with a versatile offensive game, Beasley's career became a study in contrasts: moments of brilliant scoring prowess mixed with unrealized potential. Over 11 NBA seasons with seven different teams, including the Heat, Timberwolves, Suns, and Knicks, Beasley averaged 12.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. While he never quite lived up to the superstar expectations set by his dominant college career at Kansas State, Beasley's natural talent and scoring ability kept him in the NBA through 2019, with additional stints playing professionally in China.
Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings
Despite never quite reaching the superstar level expected of a No. 2 overall pick, Michael Beasley still carved out a highly lucrative professional career. Over 11 NBA seasons, he earned a little over $41 million in salary alone, a figure that reflects both his early promise and his ability to remain a valuable scoring option even as his role evolved.
Beasley's largest payday came right at the start. After being selected second overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, he signed a 4-year rookie-scale contract worth approximately $20.1 million. That deal ultimately stood as the most valuable contract of his career and accounted for nearly half of his total NBA earnings.
His next major contract came in 2012, when he signed a 3-year, $18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. However, that opportunity proved short-lived. Due to inconsistency and off-court issues, Phoenix waived Beasley after just one season. The team agreed to a roughly $7 million buyout on the remaining guaranteed money, which was stretched and paid out over multiple years, allowing Beasley to continue collecting income even while playing elsewhere.
From 2013 through the end of his NBA tenure, Beasley transitioned into a journeyman role, signing a series of short-term and veteran minimum contracts with teams including the Heat, Rockets, Bucks, Knicks, Lakers, and Nets. During this stretch, his annual salary typically ranged from around $300,000 to $3.5 million, depending on the deal structure and playing time.
Importantly, his total basketball earnings extend well beyond the NBA. Beasley enjoyed highly profitable stints in the Chinese Basketball Association, where former NBA lottery picks and proven scorers can often command significant salaries. While exact figures are less publicly documented, his time in China added a meaningful layer to his overall career earnings and helped extend his financial success well beyond his NBA peak.
Michael Beasley: NBA Career Earnings
| Season & Team | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2008-09 Miami Heat | $4,314,960 |
| 2009-10 Miami Heat | $4,638,600 |
| 2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves | $4,962,240 |
| 2011-12 Minnesota Timberwolves | $6,262,347 |
| 2012-13 Phoenix Suns | $5,750,000 |
| 2013-14 Miami Heat | $1,027,424 |
| 2014-15 Miami Heat | $195,440 |
| 2015-16 Houston Rockets | $306,527 |
| 2016-17 Milwaukee Bucks | $1,403,611 |
| 2017-18 New York Knicks | $2,116,955 |
| 2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers | $3,500,000 |
| 2019-20 Brooklyn Nets | $289,803 |
| Phoenix Suns Buyout Agreed in 2013, paid over time | $7,000,000 |
| Cumulative Total | $41,767,907 |

Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born in Prince George's County, Maryland, on January 9, 1989, Beasley's basketball journey began early. He attended six different high schools, including the prestigious Oak Hill Academy and Notre Dame Prep, establishing himself as an elite prospect. His constant movement between schools did little to diminish his on-court development, as he consistently dominated competition at every stop. During his AAU career, Beasley played alongside future NBA stars Kevin Durant and Ty Lawson, helping to establish the DC area as a basketball powerhouse. Michael is not related to fellow NBA player Malik Beasley, though coincidentally, Malik's father is named Michael Beasley.
College Stardom at Kansas State
Beasley's single season at Kansas State in 2007-08 remains one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in college basketball history. He averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and First-team All-American selection. His 28 double-doubles set a national freshman record, and his combination of power, finesse, and scoring ability drew comparisons to NBA greats. This dominant performance cemented his status as a top NBA prospect and led to his declaration for the 2008 NBA Draft.
NBA Career and Challenges
Despite showing flashes of brilliance early in his NBA career, including averaging 14.8 points per game as a rookie with Miami, Beasley struggled with consistency and off-court issues. His career became a series of fresh starts with new teams, each hoping to harness his undeniable talent. While with the Timberwolves in 2010-11, he posted his best NBA season, averaging 19.2 points per game, showing glimpses of the star potential that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
International Experience
Between NBA stints, Beasley found success in China's CBA, playing for teams including the Shanghai Sharks and Guangdong Southern Tigers. His scoring prowess was on full display in the Chinese league, where he averaged over 25 points per game and earned All-Star honors. These international experiences helped revitalize his career and led to several NBA comebacks.
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