NBA Teams: Knicks, Pacers, and Pistons Potential Suitors for Malik Beasley Post-Gambling Probe
In the bustling world of NBA free agency, Malik Beasley finds himself at the centre of a whirlwind of events. After a terrific season with the Detroit Pistons, where he finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year award voting, Beasley's offseason has been anything but smooth.
Beasley's name was embroiled in a federal gambling investigation, but he was later cleared. This unfortunate incident cost him a potential three-year extension with the Pistons worth over $40 million. The Detroit team, who initially expected to offer Beasley a three-year, $42 million contract, now faces competition from other teams interested in the talented player.
The Indiana Pacers, for one, have a $14.1 million disabled-player exception that could be utilised. Besides the Pacers, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also shown interest in Beasley, according to reports by Shams Charania. The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have been monitoring Beasley's status in free agency this offseason.
However, Beasley's off-court issues haven't stopped there. He was evicted from his downtown Detroit apartment and has two lawsuits filed against him for unpaid rent totaling $21,500 this year. In a recent video on Snapchat, Beasley expressed feelings of being judged and having a chip on his shoulder, ready to prove himself again.
The Pistons have held their 15th and final roster spot open, awaiting word on Beasley's future. If Beasley re-signs with the Pistons, he could do so for a maximum of $7.2 million. However, other teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and Charlotte Hornets are among a handful of other teams with remaining spending power who could pursue Beasley.
It's worth noting that Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is still dealing with his own gambling investigation. The New York Knicks, on the other hand, only have $3.7 million to work with due to payroll constraints. The Indiana Pacers may have roster spots available in the 2025-26 season due to nonguaranteed contracts of James Wiseman and Tony Bradley.
As the dust settles on the NBA offseason, the future of Malik Beasley remains uncertain. With his talent and the interest from multiple teams, it's clear that Beasley has a lot to offer on the court. Whether he chooses to return to the Pistons or signs with another team, one thing is for sure: Beasley is ready to prove himself once again.
Jontay Porter, the brother of current Nets forward Michael Porter Jr., was banned from the NBA for his illegal gambling activity. This news, while not directly related to Beasley's situation, serves as a reminder of the league's strict stance on such matters.
