Free-agent guard Malik Beasley is attracting significant attention from teams in both Europe and China, according to a report by BasketNews journalist Donatas Urbonas. Multiple overseas clubs have contacted the 29-year-old sharpshooter to gauge his interest in signing abroad.
Beasley entered the market last June while under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York over possible illegal wagering. At the time, he was negotiating a three-year, $42 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, but talks collapsed after news of the probe surfaced.
The veteran guard was not included in last month’s federal indictments that led to the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups in separate gambling cases. Nevertheless, Beasley has yet to be cleared by either federal investigators or the NBA, which is conducting its own inquiry. His status remains unresolved.
Urbonas reports that clubs in the Chinese Basketball Association have presented lucrative, flexible offers featuring NBA opt-out clauses. Such a structure would allow Beasley to stay in game shape overseas while awaiting clearance to return to the league. The CBA season is scheduled to begin on December 12, giving the guard additional time before he must decide on his next move.
If the investigation is resolved in his favor, the Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams expected to pursue him.
Beasley averaged 16.3 points last season with Detroit, finishing second in the NBA with 319 made three-pointers and placing as runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award behind Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard.
Source: Hoops Rumors
