Report: Rockets close to 2-year deal with Michael Beasley

The Houston Rockets are closing in on a two-year deal to sign free-agent forward Michael Beasley, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.

Houston recently bought out point guard Ty Lawson and shooting guard Marcus Thornton, giving the team room to sign Beasley.

Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff was an assistant in Minnesota when Beasley was a member of the Timberwolves, which likely had an impact on the multi-year deal.

Beasley put together a terrific 2015-16 campaign in his first season overseas, earning foreign MVP honors in the Chinese Basketball Association. The 26-year-old averaged 31.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and shot 37.1 percent from three as a member of the Shandong Golden Stars.

The former No. 2 overall pick last played in the NBA as a member of the Miami Heat in 2014-15, averaging 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 24 games.

Beasley has averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shot 45.5 percent from the floor in seven NBA seasons with the Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

With Houston (29-31) clinging to a playoff spot, the Rockets will hope Beasley's shooting and athleticism will give the team the boost it needs to reach the postseason for the fourth straight season.