The Consensus Notebook: Beasley Decision Looms, Knicks Sorting Two-Ways, Miami Eyeing Achiuwa
What we've been hearing around the league.
Another week around the league brings plenty to sort through — from front office chatter to player buzz and everything in between. We’ve been on the phone, texting, and connecting with folks across the NBA all week, and the conversations point to one central theme: teams weighing late-summer roster moves while free agents look to secure their next stop.
The details are where things get interesting, and we’ve packed them into this edition of The Consensus Notebook. Let’s dive in.
Malik Beasley Watch
Detroit and Cleveland are the two likeliest landing spots for Malik Beasley, we’re told. New York has signaled it won’t take on the risk, and Minnesota also seems unlikely at this stage.
Knicks Roster Mechanics
Earlier in the offseason, rumblings suggested Mohamed Diawara would take one two-way slot and James Nnaji would receive a standard deal. Multiple capologists have confirmed to us that Nnaji and Diawara are both eligible for a standard contract via the second-round exception, while Kevin McCullar is not.
The expectation is that the Knicks’ other open two-way spot will go to someone outside the organization.
McCullar could be brought in on a veteran minimum, but that slot is more likely to be used on a bigger-name free agent.
As things stand, McCullar is likely to sign his qualifying offer and begin the year on a two-way, with a chance to earn a prorated vet-min later in the season if he impresses Leon Rose & company.
Maverick Carter’s New Venture
With Maverick Carter preparing to launch his new international league, sources tell The Consensus that LeBron James and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul will not be involved. Instead, European power agent Misko Raznatovic has been engaged in conversations with Carter, and the two sides are said to be aligned. Raznatovic was even spotted on a boat with Carter and LeBron earlier this summer, underscoring the strength of that connection.
Heat Frontcourt Options
Precious Achiuwa: Miami has spoken with Achiuwa, sources confirm. Around the league, there’s a belief the Heat could be a fit — and Achiuwa’s agents at Octagon have a strong relationship with Pat Riley and the rest of the front office, which could help facilitate a deal. Miami would still need to create financial flexibility to make it happen.
Kai Jones: The Heat also worked out Jones recently, though we’re told a deal is unlikely at this point. The high-flying forward put together a strong close to the 2025-26 campaign with the Dallas Mavericks. A former first-round pick, Jones still has upside as a spark plug reserve.
Knicks Backcourt Moves
Ben Simmons: Simmons declined a one-year offer from New York and has parted ways with agent Bernie Lee, as veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported.
Malik Beasley: As noted, the Knicks are not expected to be in the mix for Beasley at this point in the process.
Malcolm Brogdon: The Knicks have interest in Brogdon, though it’s unclear where he’ll ultimately land. The former NBA Rookie of the Year is among the best point guard options remaining on the market.
Landry Shamet: Mutual interest remains between the Knicks and Shamet on a return, which may be the most straightforward path for New York if other options fall through.
Portland Two-Way Battle
As reported in last week’s notebook, MarJon Beauchamp was among the players who participated in Portland’s mini-camp. We’re told he remains under consideration as the Trail Blazers weigh their final two-way slot. As Portland continues to push toward being competitive, the former G League Ignite prospect could be an underrated pickup.
Veteran Free Agent Updates
PJ Tucker: The veteran forward has struggled to generate interest so far this summer. We’re told Tucker remains hopeful of landing somewhere, though he may ultimately have to accept an Exhibit 10 deal to stay in the league.
Kevin Love: Love and his reps at Excel Sports are expected to finalize a buyout with the Utah Jazz before the start of the season, clearing the way for him to join a contender.
We’ll see how these roster decisions start to crystallize as the preseason draws near. While it’s been relatively quiet around the league, we could be entering a more active period shortly.