NBA guard Malik Beasley is not a target in a federal gambling probe anymore, his lawyers said on Friday. This news comes after months of doubt that held up his free agency chances and overshadowed his great season with the Detroit Pistons.
Lawyers Confirm Beasley Not Targeted, Cite Career Damage from Allegations
Lawyers Steve Haney and Mike Schachter said talks with prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York led to Beasley’s name being taken off the list of people under investigation, reported Associated Press.
They pointed out that while the probe continues, officials have made it clear that Beasley does not face charges or an indictment. Haney slammed the aftermath of the inquiry, saying just the existence of a claim had caused major personal and career harm, even though no formal accusations were made.
The probe came to light in June, focusing on odd betting activity linked to games during Beasley’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023–24 season. One sportsbook had noticed unusual betting patterns involving his performance stats, but nothing was proven.
The investigation had a direct effect on Beasley’s market worth. Detroit planned to offer a three-year, $42 million contract to retain him, but the team halted talks when the probe became known. Other teams also backed off, leaving one of the league’s top outside shooters without a deal during his career peak.
Former Piston Malik Beasley Explores Free Agency Following Stellar Year
Beasley, 28, just finished a landmark season with the Pistons. He scored 16.3 points per game and sank 319 three-pointers, the most in one season for the franchise and second in the NBA that year. His play helped Detroit make the playoffs and earned him second place in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Even with the legal situation cleared up, Beasley’s next move is still up in the air. A bunch of teams like the Bulls, Pacers, Pelicans, Kings, and Wizards have enough money to make good offers. Word is, the Brooklyn Nets have over $20 million to spend. Detroit, though, can offer a smaller one-year deal because they are tight on cash after signing other guards earlier this summer.
Away from the basketball court, Beasley‘s been in the news for financial troubles, including not paying rent and business debts. His lawyer says these problems came from poor management, not from being broke, and they are working to fix things.
Now that the federal investigation is not looming over his career, Beasley plans to look into chances to make a comeback in the NBA this season. This player has made a name for himself as one of the league’s best shooters from long range. This news could kick off his efforts to save his career and fix his image in the public eye.