Malik Beasley has been cleared this week as a target of a federal gambling investigation, according to his attorneys, allowing him to pursue opportunities with new Malik Beasley free agent teams for the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season. With the investigation no longer looming, Beasley can now fully explore contracts after a strong shooting campaign last year.
Beasley, who shot over 41 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 16.3 points per game in 82 contests for the Detroit Pistons last season, was expected to earn a lucrative contract this summer. Detroit was reportedly working on a three-year, $42 million deal with him before reports surfaced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office was investigating irregular betting activity involving prop bets on Beasley in 2024. This investigation paused negotiations and diminished his prospects temporarily.
Despite the Pistons’ recent rise to playoff contention, they moved forward without Beasley during the offseason by acquiring Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, signaling a shift to replace his role. Consequently, Detroit no longer has the cap space to offer the $14 million per year deal they had planned, leaving Beasley to evaluate his options among various NBA teams interested in his sharpshooting talent.
Potential Return to Detroit
The most straightforward option remains a return to the Pistons, who could sign Beasley for a non-Bird rights deal worth approximately $7.2 million annually. Detroit still sits comfortably under the luxury tax threshold and can offer Beasley more than teams likely to propose minimum contracts. Although the Pistons have bolstered their roster with LeVert and Robinson, their previous intent to keep Beasley at a significant salary suggests they still value his scoring ability.
Teams With Available Cap Space
The Brooklyn Nets stand out as a strong contender capable of matching the financial terms Beasley was initially targeting. With around $14 million in available cap space, Brooklyn could sign Beasley to a deal similar in value to what Detroit offered and then potentially use him as a trade asset at the midseason deadline or the following summer. This approach would maximize Beasley’s earning capacity but would also place his future destination in the hands of Nets general manager Sean Marks and the front office, limiting Beasley’s control.
Teams Utilizing the Mid-Level Exception
The Indiana Pacers are among the teams that could deploy their nearly full $14.1 million mid-level exception to pursue Beasley. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the year, the Pacers need additional shooting to support their backcourt featuring Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Aaron Nesmith. While their biggest roster gap remains in the frontcourt after losing Myles Turner, adding a sharpshooter like Beasley could strengthen their rotation and fit the team‘s longer-term plans when Haliburton returns.
Chicago Bulls present a curious case for Beasley’s potential landing spot. Known for their unpredictable decisions, the Bulls have yet to secure Josh Giddey but adding Beasley would provide a much-needed three-point threat to compete in the Eastern Conference play-in race. Beasley, signed on a mid-level deal, could offer a movable contract and valuable perimeter scoring for Chicago, assuming he maintains stability off the court.
The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards both have the capacity to offer Beasley a three-year, $42 million contract similar to what Detroit withdrew. These teams could give him a substantial role early in the season before potentially trading him to a contender. However, both franchises also face the challenge of balancing Beasley’s role with the development of their young core players, which may affect their willingness to finalize such a deal.
The Sacramento Kings hold about $7.3 million from their mid-level exception and could consider Beasley as a replacement if they manage to trade Malik Monk. Sacramento would benefit from additional shooting behind Zach LaVine, though it remains unclear whether they can meet Beasley’s financial or role expectations. Miami retains only half of its mid-level exception and, with Tyler Herro and Norman Powell on the roster, appears unlikely to pursue Beasley seriously.
Golden State Warriors’ Strategic Opportunity
The Golden State Warriors are the league’s only team yet to finalize a summer signing, which may benefit their pursuit of Beasley. The Warriors are currently $25 million below the luxury tax apron and expected to use their mid-level exception to sign Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton once Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation is resolved. They also aim to bring back Gary Payton II.
Even given their existing depth of shooting, with Buddy Hield playing a reserve shooting guard role, the Warriors might see value in adding another sharpshooter like Beasley. They could creatively allocate their salary exceptions—using the bi-annual exception, trade exceptions, or a combination involving parts of their mid-level—to fit Beasley’s contract into their roster and maintain flexibility.
Sign-and-Trade Scenarios for Contenders
The Los Angeles Lakers could be a potential landing spot for Beasley via sign-and-trade, provided Detroit is unwilling to retain him for around $7.2 million. The Lakers could offer players like Dalton Knecht as part of a trade package to acquire Beasley, who would provide additional spacing for stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, enhancing the team’s offensive dynamics.
The New York Knicks, despite recent additions like Jordan Clarkson on a minimum deal, could greatly improve their shooting by adding Beasley. However, Detroit might be reluctant to strengthen a rival in the Eastern Conference by facilitating a bargain deal for Beasley.
For the San Antonio Spurs, possessing roughly $12 million before reaching the luxury tax apron, acquiring Beasley could bolster their supporting cast around Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs have sufficient smaller contracts to make a $7.2 million deal work, potentially assembling a strong 10-man rotation fortified by Beasley’s shooting.
The Dallas Mavericks face a shortage of shooters beyond Klay Thompson and may see Beasley as a critical addition to their roster. Although their wing rotation is crowded, Beasley stands out as the best shooter, an essential component for a team with championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead to Beasley’s Free Agency Journey
Malik Beasley’s clearance from the federal gambling investigation clears a path for him to re-enter free agency in a strong position based on his proven shooting ability. While Detroit remains a likely fallback, several teams with varying cap abilities and roster needs are prepared to offer him contracts ranging from the veteran minimum to multi-year, multi-million dollar deals.
The choices Beasley faces balance financial security, playing time, and potential for future trades, with teams like Brooklyn and Golden State offering maximum earning and rebuilding teams like Indiana and Sacramento presenting meaningful roles. Meanwhile, contenders such as the Lakers, Knicks, Spurs, and Mavericks could integrate his sharpshooting to enhance their championship bids.
As the offseason progresses, the movements surrounding Malik Beasley will be closely watched, reflecting both the evolving strategies of NBA front offices and Beasley’s personal desire to secure his next chapter on the court.