Malik Beasley Contract Reportedly Eyed by Knicks, Cavs amid 2025 NBA Free Agency
Malik Beasley's lawyers told ESPN's Shams Charania last week that the veteran guard is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation, opening the door for him to potentially latch on with a team in free agency.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers "have checked in" on Beasley, though both teams would only be able to offer him the veteran minimum.
ESPN first reported that Beasley was being federally investigated in a gambling probe, which "resulted in all of his free agent negotiations and offers being halted one day before the official start of free agency," per Charania. That included a three-year, $42 million offer to return to the Detroit Pistons, which "evaporated after the franchise became aware of the federal investigation, and sources said other interested teams paused conversations with Beasley as well."
With teams having used up their cap space, Beasley likely will have to settle for a minimum deal next season.
The 28-year-old averaged 16.3 points in 82 games for the Detroit Pistons last season, shooting 41.6 percent from three. He's emerged as one of the game's most potent sharpshooters and would be a fantastic addition for a contending team, offering shooting on the wing.
The Knicks are talented but top-heavy, so adding a player like Beasley would provide a nice boost to their second unit. Cleveland has a bit more overall depth than New York, though contending teams can never have too many shooters.
