TITLE: Detroit Eyes Malik Beasley Return; Cavs Monitoring, Pelicans Reviewed Willie Green, Pacers Stay Patient
SLUG: pistons-interest-in-malik-beasley-cavs-monitoring-pelicans-coaching-review-pacers-stand-pat
CONTENT:
Detroit, MI — The Detroit Pistons remain interested in bringing Malik Beasley back once the guard’s status in an ongoing federal gambling probe is resolved, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Pistons Still Have a Path
Detroit can clear room by parting ways with forward Javonte Green, whose contract is only partially guaranteed for $925,106 until Jan. 10. The Pistons, who still hold Beasley’s Non-Bird rights worth roughly $7.2 million, had previously prepared a three-year, $42 million offer before the investigation surfaced. They pivoted to Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson while Beasley’s future remained uncertain.
Beasley has made it clear Detroit is his top choice. “If I do go back to the NBA, it’s gonna be with the Pistons,” he told Pistons Talk, adding that his best season came in a Pistons uniform last year.
Cavaliers Keep Tabs
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have one open roster slot, are also tracking Beasley’s situation. Cleveland has been exploring modest shooting upgrades for several months, Siegel reported.
Pelicans Evaluated Willie Green After Slow Start
Siegel added that the New Orleans Pelicans held serious internal discussions about head coach Willie Green after an 0-6 start. Concerns reportedly included Jeremiah Fears receiving minutes over Jordan Poole and DeAndre Jordan starting ahead of rookie Yves Missi. Lead executive Joe Dumars was also dissatisfied with limited playing time for rookie Derik Queen. The Pelicans have steadied since, but early tension lingered.
Pacers Not Expected to Sell
Despite a 1-7 opening stretch and multiple injuries, the Indiana Pacers are unlikely to move into “sell mode,” Siegel wrote. The organization is focused on maintaining financial flexibility before Tyrese Haliburton returns next season. League sources told Siegel it would be surprising to see Indiana make Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell or Aaron Nesmith available.
The situations remain fluid as teams monitor roster options and player availability ahead of the season’s midpoint.
Source: Hoops Wire
