Malik Beasley has been officially cleared as the focus of a federal gambling probe related to NBA games during the 2023-24 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The investigation had surrounded his time playing for the Milwaukee Bucks but now concludes with no charges filed against the veteran guard.
This development follows earlier reports that Beasley faced scrutiny amid a broader federal investigation recalling the NBA’s previous disciplinary actions, including the case of Jontay Porter. Porter, brother of Michael Porter Jr., was banned from the league last year after pleading guilty to conspiracy involving wire fraud and sharing sensitive information linked to betting.
Financial Challenges Amid Investigation
During the investigation, additional reports emerged highlighting Beasley’s off-court financial difficulties. The 28-year-old guard has been involved in multiple lawsuits over missed payments and was even evicted from his Detroit apartment. Despite these personal struggles, legal representatives have now made it clear that Beasley is no longer a target, ending months of speculation for the player and league alike.
Beasley’s Performance Spurs Free Agency Interest
Coming off his best professional season, Malik Beasley significantly contributed to the Detroit Pistons’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting 41.6 percent from three on an impressive 9.3 attempts per night, he also played in all 82 games. His role earned him a runner-up finish for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
In a league increasingly reliant on spacing and tempo, Beasley’s shooting skills have generated considerable free agent buzz this offseason. The Pistons were initially poised to offer him a three-year contract valued at $42 million to retain his presence in their rotation. However, that deal stalled once news of the federal inquiry broke, constraining Detroit’s financial flexibility and lowering their offer to a reported $7.2 million.
Limited Offers and the Road Ahead for Beasley
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, most teams face salary cap restrictions limiting them to offers near that same $7.2 million figure. Although a few franchises have the cap space to exceed this threshold, most of those teams are currently not playoff contenders. Beasley’s representatives have engaged with several organizations, but widespread financial hurdles continue to narrow his options.
With fewer substantial offers on the table, Beasley may be forced to consider a short-term, “prove-it” contract heading into the next NBA season. This situation sets the stage for a dramatic free agency period where Beasley could become a valuable late addition for teams seeking to improve their bench depth. His proven scoring ability and resilience will likely keep him in demand despite recent challenges.