The Minnesota Timberwolves did more than persist in the relentless pursuit of D'Angelo Russell prior to the trade deadline, also nabbing some key cogs for their rotation. Malik Beasley, who the Denver Nuggets feared was out of their price range, will likely get paid handsomely at the end of the 2019-20 season, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Beasley reportedly turned down a three-year, $30 million deal with the Nuggets. While Krawczynski initially estimated his price tag was around $12 million per year, the price is likely still going up after a standout start with the Timberwolves:

“When he first arrived here, my thought was it would be in the four-year, $48 million range, but now I think the number is going higher and higher,” wrote Krawczynski. “Where does it stop? Too early to tell, but I do see Beasley here next season.”

Beasley is averaging 20.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from deep in 14 starts since coming over from Denver — numbers the Timberwolves can't take for granted.

In a start-and-stop world where Russell has been somewhat unreliable with his various nicks since coming over from Golden State, it was Beasley who provided the punch Minnesota needed with Karl-Anthony Towns still on the mend.

The Wolves envision a backcourt of Russell and Beasley providing a sound dynamic, but it will cost them. Beasley's scoring ability is undeniable, having poured in 20 or more points in nine of his 14 starts in Minnesota.

His services will come at a gaudy price, but considering he's only 23 and budding as a scorer in this league, chances are he's well worth the gamble to Gersson Rosas and the rest of his front office.