The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons are all believed to be interested in Malik Beasley’s services. This is according to the latest from NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Beasley was recently cleared from being a target of a federal gambling investigation. That doesn’t mean he’s received full federal clearance and the NBA is expected to conduct its own investigation as well.
The Department of Justice defines a “target” as “a person to whom the prosecutor or grand jury has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a putative defendant.”
On the contrary, Beasley is now considered a “subject” of the investigation. That is defined as “a person whose conduct is within the scope of the grand jury’s investigation.” That means Beasley still has the possibility of being charged with a crime.
Beasley made the second-most three-pointers in the NBA last season, finishing just one behind Anthony Edwards. He also finished as a runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Cavaliers, Knicks, Wolves Or Pistons Make Most Sense?
With the injury to Max Strus, there’s certainly a gap that Beasley would fill nicely in Cleveland. They are up against a bad tax situation, though, so it would likely involve Beasley having to take a significant discount.
Prior to the federal investigation, Beasley was on the verge of re-signing with the Pistons for three years and $42 million. Detroit has since filled his anticipated departure with Duncan Robinson. Caris LeVert has been added as another bench contributor as well.
In New York, Jordan Clarkson is the big scoring addition of the summer but they probably think adding Beasley can’t hurt.
Minnesota may genuinely offer the best fit. Beasley already has a relationship with Edwards from his previous stint on the team. There is also an unfilled gap after the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Of course, all of these theoretical fits are on hold until the investigations are complete.
