UPDATE: Malik Beasley is officially no longer a target of the federal gambling investigation led by the Eastern District of New York. His attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, confirmed this crucial development to ESPN just moments ago, potentially reopening free agency opportunities for one of the NBA’s premier shooters.
The investigation commenced over allegations related to gambling on NBA games during the 2023-24 season. However, after extensive discussions with authorities, Beasley’s legal team has received confirmation that he will not face charges. “Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation,” Haney stated. “An allegation with no charge, indictment or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik.”
As this investigation halted Beasley’s free-agent negotiations and offers, his future in the league has been uncertain. Just prior to the announcement, sources indicated that Beasley was on the verge of signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, which evaporated as the franchise became aware of the probe.
With the investigation behind him, multiple teams have reportedly resumed contact with Beasley’s representation over the past few weeks. During the past season, Beasley showcased his talent by averaging 16.3 points per game and setting a franchise record with 319 three-pointers for the Pistons.
Despite the recent turmoil, Beasley’s performance last season remains impressive. He made a career-high 77 starts and ranked second in total points off the bench in the NBA. Notably, he also recorded the highest number of catch-and-shoot three-pointers since player tracking began in 2013-14.
As Beasley navigates his next steps, the Pistons have signed Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green to bolster their roster. As a result, the maximum contract extension for Beasley with Detroit is capped at $7.2 million. However, teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans are still in the mix, offering him potential deals above that amount.
The gambling allegations stemmed from unusual betting patterns detected by sportsbooks, particularly around January 2024. A source revealed that significant betting interest arose on Beasley’s statistics during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, causing odds to shift dramatically.
Previous incidents involving players like Jontay Porter and Terry Rozier serve as reminders of the scrutiny NBA players face amidst rising gambling interests. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have expressed concerns over gambling’s impact on player integrity.
As Malik Beasley moves forward, the focus will be on the next steps in his career. Fans can expect swift developments as teams explore their options in signing the talented guard. This situation underscores the intersection of sports and gambling, raising important questions about player conduct and league regulations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
