Malik Beasley, one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters, has been cleared as a target in a federal gambling investigation conducted by the Eastern District of New York, according to his attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter. This development, reported by ESPN, could reignite Beasley’s free agency prospects after a tumultuous period that stalled his career momentum. The news brings relief to the 28-year-old guard, whose 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons showcased his elite shooting ability and cemented his reputation as a valuable asset in the league.
The investigation, which began earlier this year, centered on allegations of gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season when Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks. The probe disrupted his free agency, halting a potential three-year, $42 million deal with the Pistons and pausing talks with other teams. Beasley’s attorneys emphasized that he was never charged, indicted, or convicted, with Haney stating, “An allegation with no charge…should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik.” The lack of evidence against Beasley has now cleared the path for him to resume negotiations with interested teams.
Beasley’s on-court performance last season was nothing short of remarkable. Appearing in all 82 games for Detroit, he averaged 16.3 points and made 319 three-pointers, a franchise record and the second-most in the NBA, trailing only Anthony Edwards. His 248 catch-and-shoot threes set a league record since player tracking began in 2013-14, per GeniusIQ. Finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year race, Beasley proved his value as a dynamic bench scorer, making him an attractive option for teams seeking offensive firepower.
The gambling allegations stemmed from unusual betting patterns, particularly around a January 2024 Bucks game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where odds on Beasley’s rebounds shifted dramatically. Despite the scrutiny, Beasley recorded six rebounds in that game, and the bets deemed suspicious did not pay out. The NBA’s cooperation with federal prosecutors and the absence of charges against Beasley mirror similar cases, such as that of Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier, who also faced scrutiny but was not charged.
Beasley’s career has not been without challenges. In 2020, while with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of threats of violence, serving 120 days in jail and receiving a 12-game NBA suspension. Despite this, Beasley has shown resilience, rebuilding his career over nine seasons with consistent scoring and shooting prowess.
With the investigation behind him, Beasley is now a prime free-agent target. Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Wizards have the financial flexibility to offer contracts exceeding the $7.2 million maximum Detroit can provide due to their signing of Caris LeVert. The Brooklyn Nets, with over $20 million in cap space, could also pursue Beasley. As the National Basketball Players Association advocates for tighter regulations on prop bets to curb player harassment, Beasley’s focus shifts to securing a new deal and continuing his ascent as one of the NBA’s top shooters.
