Malik Beasley, Pistons Contract Talks Reportedly Paused amid Gambling Investigation

Malik Beasley reportedly was in discussions to return to the Detroit Pistons on a new contract this offseason, but there is now plenty of uncertainty surrounding the situation.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday the U.S. District Attorney’s office opened an investigation into Beasley regarding "allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets."

Beasley and the Pistons reportedly had engaged in "serious talks on a new three-year, $42 million contract … but now talks are on pause," according to Charania.

“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said, per Charania.

This is not the first time an NBA player has been investigated for gambling allegations, as former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the league for life in April 2024 for violating gambling rules.

"A league investigation found that Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games," the league said in an announcement at the time.

As for Beasley, his attorney, Steve Haney, told Charania, "an investigation is not a charge. Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything."

Charania also noted the allegations are from the 2023-24 season when he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks:

This comes after the Florida State product played well during his previous one-year deal with the Pistons in 2024-25.

He averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range as he appeared in all 82 games. Beasley helped make up for the loss of Jaden Ivey, who was limited to just 30 games because of injury.

Beasley has bounced around some throughout his NBA career that began when he was a 2016 first-round pick. He has played for the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Bucks and Pistons.

Prior to this development, it wouldn't have been a surprise if Detroit brought him back after his successful stint with the team. However, the team is surely waiting to see if there are any further developments in this investigation.