Malik Beasley: Out of Federal Gambling Investigation
Basketball player Malik Beasley is no longer the subject of the federal gambling investigation led by the Eastern District of New York, according to his lawyers, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter. This news could reopen the free agent market for one of the most prominent shooters in the NBA.The lawyers had extensive conversations and meetings with the Eastern District of New York, obtaining the determination that Beasley is not considered the target of the investigation. The initial accusations were related to bets on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season. A spokesperson for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York declined to comment on the matter. On June 29, it was reported that Beasley was under federal investigation, which halted negotiations and free agent offers. At the time, NBA spokesman Mike Bass indicated that the league was cooperating with the investigation. It was rumored that Beasley and the Detroit Pistons were close to finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract, but the proposal fell through upon learning of the federal investigation. Other interested teams also paused talks. Several teams have been in contact with Beasley’s representation in recent weeks. Beasley, who finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in the 2024-25 season, averaged 16.3 points per game in the 82 games of the season, his first with Detroit in a nine-year NBA career. He scored 319 three-pointers, the most in a season in Pistons history and the second-highest in the NBA that season, only surpassed by Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves by one three-pointer. Beasley also ranked second in total points and total three-pointers off the bench. In addition, he made 248 three-pointers after receiving the ball and shooting, the most by any player in a season since player tracking began in 2013-14. Beasley signed a one-year contract with the Pistons in the 2024 offseason. Because Detroit signed Caris LeVert, the most Beasley can re-sign with the Pistons for is $7.2 million. In the absence of Beasley, Detroit signed LeVert, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green to bolster their roster. The teams that have the ability to offer Beasley a contract exceeding $7.2 million include the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Wizards. The Brooklyn Nets also have over $20 million in cap space. During the 2023-24 season, which was the focus of the accusations, Beasley averaged 11.3 points in 79 games with the Milwaukee Bucks and started 77 times.“Months after this investigation began, Malik is not charged and is not the target of it,” Haney stated.
Steve Haney, Malik Beasley’s Attorney
At least one American sportsbook detected unusually high interest in Beasley’s statistics as of January 2024. A source in the gaming industry pointed to a game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024. The odds on whether Beasley would record under 2.5 rebounds changed significantly before the game.
