By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

The Minnesota Timberwolves have assembled a team of talented, young players, but they may be willing to part with one of those players to free up salary cap space. The Wolves are looking to move Michael Beasley and his $6.2 million contract, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post. According to the report, the Celtics and Nets have expressed interest in Beasley. The Wolves are looking to give rookie Derrick Williams more minutes, which would seem to make fellow small forward Beasley expendable.

Beasley was the second pick in the 2008 NBA Draft after dominating for one season at Kansas State. Beasley did not live up to his draft placement in two seasons in Miami, though his points per game averages of 13.9 and 14.8 weren't bad, either. Reported disciplinary action by the team for rules violations hastened the Heat's desire to trade Beasley in 2010, as did the team's desire to free up cap space for the impending free agency of LeBron James.

Beasley averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in his first season in Minnesota, but his numbers have dropped off this season with the emergence of Williams. Beasley is the talented, young forward the Celtics could use, though he's seen as a risk because of past off-court issues and because of inconsistent play. He'd be an interesting addition for the Celtics, who likely wouldn't have to part with a player of great consequence to get him.