NBA players have never been nervous to risk money and pride on the table. When the trash talk gets loud and egos run high, some big-name matchups always turn into high-stakes contests. Back in 2018, Jimmy Butler dared Lou Williams to a one-on-one duel during All-Star Weekend, and it cost $100,000.
In 2025, that practice is back on track, with Michael Beasley leading the charge. After taking down Lance Stephenson 31-21 in a big-time BIG3 one-on-one match for $100,000, Beasley was ready to jump right into his next challenge. He threw down the gauntlet to former Lakers star Nick Young for a one-on-one game, with a million on the line.
Beasley Heats Up Summer Hoops With $1M Nick Young Challenge Post-BIG3 Win
Young casually mentioned that he had only recently started beating guys in the BIG3, saying, “I just started beating guys last year in the BIG3.” It was a light comment, said with his usual confidence. However, Beasley did not take it lightly. That one line shifted the mood immediately.
Beasley asked, “Are you in shape? You talk a lot, are you in shape?” Young responded, “I can get in shape.” That was all Beasley needed to hear. The conversation soon turned from playful to personal as Beasley snapped, “Lace it up.” Moments later, he raised the stakes to a whole new level: “A million dollars. Challenged. Imma have you shaking a– Line it up, Nick Young. A million dollars, unretire.”
Michael Beasley challenges Nick Young for a Million dollars. After Nick Young told him he just started beating guys last in the Big3. Then things escalated 😳 pic.twitter.com/pd51jNignn
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 4, 2025
This exchange took place during a BIG3 media event and instantly went viral. Fans flooded social media with reactions. Adding fuel to the fire, a throwback clip resurfaced of Young claiming, “You know at 27, who I was killing? I was cooking LeBron. Don’t disrespect me.”
The back-and-forth entertained fans and got them predicting who would win the matchup. One fan wrote, “That’s an easy million for Beasley lol.” Another user poked fun at the throwback clip, adding, “Ice Cube couldn’t vouch for that last part 😂.”
What Each Player Brings to the Table
Beasley is a former NBA star who joined the BIG3 and quickly became one of its top players. In 2024, he was named BIG3 MVP after averaging over 21 points per game and leading his team, 3’s Company, to the championship game. The 6’9″ forward has stayed in excellent shape since his NBA days and proved it by dominating Stephenson in their recent showdown.
Young, meanwhile, hasn’t played in the NBA since a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets in 2018. He later served as a player-coach for the team “Enemies” before taking over as head coach of the newly formed LA Riot. Though he’s no longer active in the NBA, Young isn’t officially retired. At 40, he’s got the confidence but questions remain about his conditioning after years away from competitive basketball.
That throwback clip carries some weight in statistics. Historically, Young and LeBron James faced off in the playoffs eight times, with Young’s teams reportedly holding the edge in six of those matchups. The numbers back up his trash talk, even if fans aren’t buying it completely. Young averaged 13.0 points per game during his 13-year NBA career, while Beasley put up 12.4 points over 11 seasons.
Michael Beasley casually taking knees out. 💀 Lance Stephenson bringing that energy for week 3 of The Big3 in Miami. pic.twitter.com/dFTEC0Bzxu
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 29, 2025
The age factor could play a huge role here. Beasley, at 35, is five years younger and has been staying game-ready through the BIG3. Young’s last serious basketball came in 2018, and getting back into playing shape at 40 is no joke. Still, Young’s confidence suggests he believes he can hang with anyone when locked in.
So far, Young hasn’t officially accepted the million-dollar challenge. But he did say, “I’ll get out there.” If that was a serious nod, then something entertaining could be coming soon to the basketball world. The BIG3 has become the perfect stage for these kinds of high-stakes showdowns, and a Beasley-Young matchup would draw massive attention.
Whether Young steps up or backs down, Beasley has already won the psychological battle. He called out Young’s conditioning and put a million dollars on the table to prove his point. That’s the kind of move that gets people talking and puts pressure on Young to either put up or shut up.