Knicks weigh pursuit of Malik Beasley after federal betting inquiry ends
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The New York Knicks are considering free-agent guard Malik Beasley now that federal investigators have cleared him of any involvement in a sports-betting scheme, league sources told Basketball Insiders’ Jake Fischer.
Fischer reported the Knicks have monitored Beasley since their first-round playoff matchup in May. Detroit had been prepared to offer the 27-year-old a three-year, $42 million contract when free agency opened, but the club withdrew the proposal once the probe became public.
Investigation closed
ESPN revealed Friday that Beasley is no longer part of a federal gambling investigation. The inquiry began after a U.S. sportsbook flagged unusual wagering on Beasley’s rebound total before the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2024. Odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds shifted from about +120 to roughly –250 amid a surge of bets; he finished the game with six boards, rendering all “under” wagers unsuccessful.
Market options
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, multiple teams have stayed in contact with Beasley’s representatives while his status was in question. Clubs with the ability to exceed the $7.2 million mid-level exception include the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Wizards, while the Brooklyn Nets possess more than $20 million in available cap space.
Knicks’ remaining roster spot
SNY’s Ian Begley reported earlier this month that New York is also weighing Ben Simmons and Landry Shamet for its final roster opening. Simmons appeared in 51 games last season with the Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes. Shamet contributed 5.7 points in 15.2 minutes across 50 outings for the Knicks.
Beasley’s 2024-25 production
Beasley finished second in last season’s Sixth Man of the Year voting after playing all 82 games (18 starts) for the Detroit Pistons. The Florida State product averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 27.8 minutes while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. His 319 made threes set a Pistons single-season record and trailed only Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards league-wide.
With the investigation resolved, league executives expect Beasley to finalize a new contract before training camps open.
Source: Basketball Insiders
