Malik Beasley draws interest from Knicks and Cavaliers after federal investigation concludes
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Malik Beasley has become one of the most sought-after free agents in the NBA market after being cleared in a federal investigation regarding allegations of NBA game betting and related wagers. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers have « made inquiries » about the 28-year-old sharpshooter.
The Cavs and Knicks have checked in on Malik Beasley, per @MikeAScotto pic.twitter.com/iOZmLgQuWG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2025
An exceptional shooter forced to accept the minimum
The federal investigation had dramatic consequences on Beasley’s contract situation. The player was initially about to sign a three-year, $42 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, but this offer « evaporated after the franchise became aware of the federal investigation, » according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
« Months after this investigation began, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation, » stated Steve Haney, Beasley’s attorney. « An allegation without charges, indictment, or conviction should never have had the catastrophic consequences it has caused Malik. »
Now, the Knicks and Cavaliers can only offer the veteran minimum salary of $3.3 million for a nine-year veteran like Beasley. This amount represents a drastic reduction from the $14 million annually he was supposed to receive.
New York’s advantages in the Beasley pursuit
The Knicks might have an advantage in this race thanks to Gersson Rosas, one of their executives who had signed Beasley to a four-year, $60 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This past relationship could work in New York’s favor.
Beasley is coming off an exceptional season with Detroit, where he averaged 16.3 points with an impressive 41.6% three-point shooting. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting and made the second-most three-pointers in the regular season with 319 made threes.
Despite interest from both Eastern Conference franchises, Detroit remains in the race by offering $7.2 million through Beasley’s Non-Bird rights. Other teams like Brooklyn, Charlotte, or Indiana also have more financial flexibility than the Knicks and Cavaliers to attract the Georgian sharpshooter.
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