Cavs, Knicks among those to check in on Malik Beasley

The Cavaliers and Knicks are among the teams to have “checked in” on free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Beasley spent last season with the Pistons and recently had his name cleared as part of a federal gambling probe. Detroit was set to offer him a three-year deal, reportedly worth about $42 million, before the investigation.

But it appears that basketball ship has sailed, opening the door for others.

Meanwhile, both the Cavs and Knicks have very little money to offer in free agency. More specifically, both can only offer a veteran’s minimum deal, given their salary cap restraints.

That said, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman is said to be all in on building a deep, talented and veteran-laden roster capable of winning a championship. The Cavs believe they are close as constructed, as do the Knicks.

Entering the season, they’re projected as the top two teams in the East. And both are seeking the type of player that could put them over the top.

Beasley, 28, is that type of player. He 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 spent time with six teams in nine seasons. The list consists of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Jazz, Lakers, Bucks and Pistons.

Several others are interested in adding Beasley for the upcoming season as well, sources told Hoops Wire.

“Knicks executive Gersson Rosas signed Beasley to a four-year, $60M deal with the Timberwolves,” Scotto wrote. “The Knicks and Cavs have minimum deals to offer. Beasley is no longer a target of a federal investigation.”

NBA training camps are scheduled to tip off in a little more than a month.

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