Malik Beasley Contract Reportedly Eyed by Wolves, Pistons amid Knicks, Cavs Rumors
Despite ongoing uncertainty about his status for the upcoming NBA season, Malik Beasley has attracted the attention of several playoff contenders.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons have all had contact with Beasley's representatives.
Fischer did note none of the conversations have progressed to the "deal-making stage" at this point, but they are all keeping tabs on the situation if Beasley "becomes truly signable" amid an ongoing gambling investigation.
There has been some confusion over Beasley's status after the U.S. District Attorney's office opened an investigation into gambling allegations involving the 28-year-old shooting guard in June.
ESPN's Shams Charania, who spoke to Beasley's attorneys, reported on Aug. 22 that Beasley was no longer considered a target of the investigation.
However, that framing of the situation doesn't absolve Beasley. Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports noted the Department of Justice still considers him a "subject" of the investigation and he could be charged.
Steve Haney, an attorney for Beasley, told Robert Snell and Coty M. Davis of the Detroit News on Aug. 22 he had "no idea" if his client will be charged. Beasley is also subject to potential discipline from the NBA.
As teams wait for a resolution to the situation, some of them are understandably keeping an eye on Beasley if he avoids any potential legal discipline and/or a suspension from the NBA.
Per Fischer, Beasley will be "seeking a deal north of the veteran minimum" and "could command" it on the open market.
The four teams mentioned as having interest in Beasley all made the playoffs last season. The Pistons had Beasley on their roster. He ranked third on the team in scoring average (16.3) and shot 41.6 percent from three-point range.
The Timberwolves and Cavs are looking for bench pieces to help push them over the top. Minnesota has lost in the Western Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons. Cleveland led the East with 64 wins in the regular season before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
New York, which lost to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, tied for 23rd in three-pointers made per game (12.6) during the regular season.
