With new contract signed, Wolves guard Malik Beasley declines to discuss legal case

Malik Beasley did not have much to say Wednesday about the charges he's facing for drug possession and threats of violence stemming from an incident in September at his home in Plymouth.

In his first media session since April, Beasley declined to talk about the charges — citing the fact that his case is still pending, while saying he appreciated the support the Wolves have shown him through this process, especially in re-signing him to a four-year deal worth up to $60 million.

"It's a legal issue," Beasley said. "I cannot really comment on that right now, but I appreciate the Timberwolves' support and I'm 100% focused on the court this year and doing what we have to do."

Beasley spoke along with forward Juancho Hernangomez as the Wolves are holding individual workouts in advance of the NBA's season, which is set to open Dec. 22. He replied to multiple questions about the case by saying he wished only to discuss basketball matters.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17.

President Gersson Rosas has said the organization would stand by Beasley throughout the process and Rosas backed up his words in signing Beasley to the new deal, which includes a team option for the fourth year.

"We've gone above and beyond to make sure that this is a situation that we address in the best way possible, supporting Malik and also creating an environment and a structure where we grow, mature and develop," Rosas said Wednesday. "But that goes for all of our players, and unfortunately life happens in a lot of different ways, not only to Malik, not only to our players, but our staff and people around our organization.

Beasley could still face a suspension from the NBA, and when asked about that possibility Wednesday, Rosas said the team has been cooperating with the league.

"We've been in conversations with the league and with Malik's representation, so we're letting the process play itself out," Rosas said. "But we're all on the same page there."

According to the charges against Beasley and his wife, Montana Yao, a couple was on the annual Parade of Homes tour Sept. 26 with their daughter and pulled up in an SUV to the 6,600-square-foot home that Beasley and Yao rent but saw it was roped off.

While the couple was stopped attempting to figure out the next home they would visit, Beasley tapped on the vehicle's window and pointed a rifle at them and shouted at them to get off his property. Beasley trained his rifle at the SUV as it drove away.

Hennepin County also filed to have his 1-year-old son put under court-ordered protection after police said surveillance allegedly showed Beasley pointing a rifle "in the general direction" of his son in the garage earlier that day.

"I'm thankful for that opportunity, and I'm going to take advantage of it," Beasley said. "I'm going to put in the work and do what I have to do to lead the team to better outcomes and for me, I just have to learn how to keep growing and keep being better on and off the court."

Details of Beasley's personal life have become the subject of tabloid headlines in recent days, and Beasley posted a message to Twitter Wednesday morning, saying "Control what you can control."

"I can control being able to learn from my mistakes and learn from the things I have to grow upon," Beasley said. "But other than that, I'm just ready to get on the court and get the season going."

In responding to a question about Beasley's new publicity, coach Ryan Saunders said the Wolves will need to be a team that will need to "compartmentalize things" that pop up, especially in a season that will take place amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Being involved in professional sports, we understand what comes with that," Saunders said. "We always know that we have responsibilities, and like we said earlier: We're continuing to focus on becoming better basketball players between the lines, but also becoming better outside the lines too."

They also signed former Iowa player Tyler Cook to a training camp deal. Cook, 6-8, scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds last season in 13 games with the Cavs and Nuggets.