As the NBA free agency period draws near, Malik Beasley’s future remains unclear due to an ongoing gambling investigation. The 28-year-old sharpshooter, who recently completed a strong season, now finds his offseason overshadowed by these off-court issues, affecting his contract prospects.
Contract Negotiations with Detroit Pistons Put on Hold
Beasley was close to finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Detroit Pistons before the gambling allegations surfaced. Those discussions have since stalled, leaving him without a team agreement. Despite this setback, Beasley maintains a high profile among free agents, ranked just behind Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey as one of the top available players.
During last season, Beasley demonstrated his elite shooting ability by ranking second in the NBA for made three-pointers, boasting a 41.6 percent success rate from beyond the arc. Known for his confident shot, rapid release, and strong elevation, he is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier shooting specialists.
Beasley’s Impactful Season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons
Before joining Detroit, Beasley spent a year with the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing solid minutes off the bench. In Detroit, he averaged 16 points per game over 28 minutes, showing his scoring prowess through a high volume of three-point attempts—9.3 per contest—with a 42 percent shooting accuracy from distance. His strong performances led him to finish as runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award, narrowly missing out to Boston Celtics’ Payton Pritchard.
Detroit Adjusts Roster Plans Amid Beasley’s Situation
Facing uncertainty about Beasley’s availability, the Pistons shifted their offseason approach by signing Caris LeVert, who had a short stint with the Atlanta Hawks, and acquiring Duncan Robinson through a sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat. These moves indicate the Pistons’ intent to solidify their roster without depending on the resolution of Beasley’s case.
While Beasley remains one of the top free agents, his return to the league depends heavily on the clearance of the gambling allegations. This situation has cast doubt over his contract opportunities, not just with Detroit but across the NBA as teams await clarity.
Potential Outcomes and What Lies Ahead for Beasley
Malik Beasley’s current predicament highlights the challenges athletes can face when personal matters intersect with professional careers. His shooting talent and previous impact suggest that, if cleared, he could still attract significant interest in the market. Meanwhile, the Pistons and other teams continue preparing for scenarios with or without him as the investigation unfolds.