On Sunday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped an NBA bombshell that had nothing to do with trades or free agency. He instead reported that pending free agent Malik Beasley is being investigated by the US District Attorney’s office on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets.
Aside from the obvious legal ramifications, how will any potential punishment affect the immediate future of both Beasley and his most recent team?
The Detroit Pistons Will Likely Move On Without Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley played an important role for the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25. In his first season with the team, the 28-year-old shooting guard averaged 16.3 points per game on 41.6% three-point shooting, both his best marks since at least 2020-21. He was the third-leading scorer on arguably the biggest surprise team in the league, and played in all 82 games during the regular season.
BREAKING: The U.S. District Attorney’s office is investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets, sources told ESPN. Serious development surrounding one of the top NBA free agents. pic.twitter.com/U0W1QONYva
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
He was one of the better values in the NBA, playing on a one-year contract worth $6 million. Beasley had been set to enter free agency, but was reportedly already in talks with the Pistons about coming back on a longer-term deal.
The betting allegations certainly throw a wrench into the plans of both team and player. Beasley’s immediate and long-term future with the NBA are in serious question, as we saw Jontay Porter banned from the league for similar allegations just over a year ago. It is poor timing for Beasley and his camp, as the official free agency period is set to kick off this coming week.
The Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks are the “strongest suitors” for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, per @TheSteinLine.
“Based on the Intel we've gathered, The Stein Line is being advised to describe the Pistons and Atlanta as the two strongest contenders to come to terms with… pic.twitter.com/2WWGtNXBJk
— APHoops (@APH00PS) June 29, 2025
As for the Pistons, it looks like they may already be pivoting to other options. Before the news on Malik Beasley broke, it was reported that Detroit would have interest in bringing in Nikeil Alexander-Walker, which now makes a bit more sense given that they’ll be in need of a shooting guard.
It has also become increasingly likely that the team will let Dennis Schröder walk in free agency. That would give the Pistons roughly $17 million in cap room to work with, assuming that they also allow guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Lindy Waters to depart, as well.
