Cavs continue to be linked to Malik Beasley, along with Pistons, Timberwolves, Knicks

The Cavaliers have recently “touched base on” free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley, as have the Knicks, Pistons and Knicks, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Beasley was recently cleared as a target of a federal gambling probe, though as we relayed earlier, he is still under investigation.

The Cavs on Tuesday announced that wing Max Strus will miss three to four months following foot surgery — perhaps opening a window of guaranteed playing time for someone such as Beasley. That said, neither the Cavs nor Knicks can offer anything but a veteran’s minimum contract due to salary-cap constraints.

Beasley spent last season with the Pistons and reportedly was about to be offered a contract in the three-year and $42 million range. Then the gambling news broke and Detroit moved in another direction.

Beasley, 28, appeared in all 82 games in his first season with the Pistons last year, averaging 16.3 points on 43.0 percent shooting, including 41.6 percent on 3-pointers. Along the way, he became a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year.

He has spent most of his career as a shooter-for-hire, having played for six teams in nine seasons. The list consists of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Jazz, Lakers, Bucks and Pistons. In other words, the Cavaliers are the only team linked to Beasley for which he hasn’t already played.