Free-agent guard Malik Beasley is still mired in a gambling investigation that stems from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24. The saga has already cost him a lucrative contract this summer. If and when he is cleared of allegations, not only will his contract offers be lower, but he may have limited options to choose from.
Per Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, only a handful of teams have any interest in Beasley. Among them, the Detroit Pistons are the only fit that makes much sense. They represent his best shot - and perhaps his last in the near future - to make it back on a basketball court this season.
Once-interested teams pivot as case drags on
In the event that someone signs him, whether Beasley will even be eligible to play is uncertain. NBA commissioner Adam Silver revealed little when asked about the league's own probe into the case, saying only that the "investigation was ongoing." The issue is driving away would-be suitors.
Aside from the Pistons, the few that remain have shifted their focus. The Cavaliers are looking for a 14th man, Fischer said, not a productive rotation piece who would eat up available minutes. Playing all 82 games in Detroit last season, Beasley averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 41.6 percent on threes.
Similarly, the Timberwolves are more focused on finalizing fringe deals than bringing in a player of his caliber. The Knicks added Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet. Like the Bucks, who might otherwise give Beasley a call, they now have a roster crunch.
That leaves Detroit. There, at least, Beasley has recent history. Before all this, the Pistons were reportedly prepared to offer him a three-year, $42 million payday.
By the time Beasley is hypothetically cleared, however, even the Pistons' door may be shut. In the offseason, they essentially replaced him with Duncan Robinson. They also lost Tim Hardaway Jr., another sharpshooter, but acquired Caris LeVert. On top of that, Jaden Ivey will be back and healthy to start the season. In a well-stocked Pistons backcourt, Beasley would be more of a "nice to have" than a necessity.
Until his legal issues clear up, he is basically blackballed. Afterward, there is the possibility that some new revelation crops up. His next team would have to risk paying Beasley only to lose him indefinitely if the investigation resumes.
Opening night is a month away. If this situation drags into the regular season, the league will move on. The Pistons might keep a seat open for him, but how long will they wait? A few months from now, coming off the best full season of his career, Beasley could be looking at a minimum deal somewhere just to fight for a rotation spot.