The Big3 always thrived on personality, spectacle, and second chances, and making the most of the spotlight, but as the league heads into its 2025 season, there is definitely a lot cooking. As one storyline has stolen everybody’s attention before a single tip-off: Michael Beasley, the reigning MVP of the league, finds himself at the center of a dramatic storm. What was supposed to be a triumphant return to Miami turned out to be a drama—this time for the expansion franchise, the Miami 305—has quickly spiraled into a public debate. The buzz around his comeback, initially a cause for celebration, has now taken a sharp turn, threatening to overshadow the team’s highly anticipated debut.
That denial has just exacerbated the situation. Beasley was a big part of making the Big3 real and giving it firepower in 2024. Now, though, it looks like he’s stuck on a team where unity is more unstable than strong. Things intensified when it was announced that Beasley and Stephenson would face off in a highly publicized one-on-one match at TNCO2 on June 6. “LANCE & ‘BEAS’ BEEF: ‘BIG3’s’ Michael Beasley has requested a trade from ‘Miami 305’ because they drafted his rival, Lance Stephenson, but, the team is refusing to trade him ” The post further read, “Stephenson & Beasley will face off in a TNCO2, 1-on-1 main event on June 6 for $100,000 Thoughts? Should they put their beef aside, as they could win a ‘BIG3’ title together? ” But Beasley was quick to respond.
Beasley launched the initial shot on X, saying, “First ten points I ain’t going dribble,” with a $100,000 prize on the line and egos even more important. There was no doubt about the tone: this was more than just a game; it was a statement.
But even though the league and its founder, Ice Cube, may have anticipated the dispute would make news, supporters didn’t exactly show pity or applause.
“Being a Diva in Retirement is a Choice”: Fans poke holes in Michael Beasley’s trade drama
The backlash was swift and sharp. On Instagram, fans made it clear that they weren’t buying into Beasley’s angst. One fan mocked, “Being a diva in retirement is a choice lol”, summing up a broader sentiment that Beasley was making unnecessary noise in a league built for camaraderie and post-NBA fun. Others couldn’t believe the drama was unfolding in a 3-on-3 league, with one user asking, “Beas still being difficult even in the post-retirement 3on3 league?????? ” And not just now, he has been in the spotlight ever since. Be it the 2009 details of Beasley’s rehab saga or NBA fines, he is always in the news.
The comedic tone continued with fans referring to the beef as “WWE Hoop” and suggesting that if “Westbrook and Pat Bev can make it work, y’all can too.” A few fans showed a glimmer of basketball logic beneath the sarcasm, arguing that Stephenson was the best player available and if the goal is a championship, Beasley needs to get over himself. “Put your pride aside and let’s play ball,” wrote one, capturing a prevailing mood.
Interestingly, while most reactions leaned critical, there was a current of reluctant admiration. One fan pointed out that “That’s a championship squad right there if they put their differences aside .” None other than Michael Cooper, a coach with championship experience and the patience to deal with explosive personalities, is in charge of the team, which includes NBA veterans Mario Chalmers, Reggie Evans, and Sean Williams. But Cooper might have a lot on his plate if Beasley doesn’t fall in line.
Another dismissed the beef entirely: “What beef ? Beasley come on man, ya playing 1s, the hell that got to do with the Big3.” Fans are plainly against the concept that personal pride should get in the way of what seems like a stacked Miami 305 lineup.
Feb 13, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (6) passes the ball while Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) and guard Patrick Beverley (22) defend in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
We don’t know yet if the one-on-one game will end the fight or make it worse. But one thing is for sure: fans are not seeing Beasley’s trade controversy as a tragedy but as a distraction. In a league created to show off basketball’s forgotten stars, it seems like the fans would rather see them shine than complain.
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