Free-agent sharpshooter hints at next career move

Malik Beasley is one of the few high-level NBA free agents left on the market. The sharpshooting guard spent the start of the offseason under federal investigation for alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities. Beasley has since been cleared.

Unfortunately, the investigation cost him the opportunity to sign a big-money deal. Teams around the league have used up what little cap space they had left. As such, Beasley has been left to choose between teams that can offer him a prominent role, rather than a hefty paycheck. 

In a recent post on his Instagram page, Beasley hinted that his decision on where to play next is imminent.

"Step into my world," Beasley wrote in the caption. "Where we don't listen to the outside noise… here we don’t quit.. where we live to the fullest.. not given af about anything that’s not important to us… year 10 is approaching.. probably the most interesting one of them all.. and the goal remains the same .. be better than last year… my decision is near.”

Beasley's most likely landing spot remains with the Detroit Pistons. He enjoyed a stellar season under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff's leadership. If he's looking for another big year to earn a significant contract, sticking with Detroit is the most logical choice.

Malik Beasley was 2025 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up

Last season, Beasley suited up for all 82 of the Pistons' games. He averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists, shooting 43% from the field and 41.6% from deep. Impressively, Beasley's three-point success came on a high volume of attempts, as he took 9.3 per game.

Unfortunately for Beasley, his exceptional scoring season was overshadowed by Payton Pritchard's work with the Boston Celtics. The Oregon product beat out Beasley in the race for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

As such, Beasley will likely be motivated to try to win the accolade in the upcoming campaign. Of course, a lot will depend on what team he signs with and the role he's tasked with filling. 

Malik Beasley should stick with the Detroit Pistons

In his nine-year career, Beasley has suited up for six teams. Given the sizable role he had for Detroit in his last campaign, Beasley would be wise to re-sign with the franchise. Bickerstaff put him in a position to succeed, and would do so again in the upcoming season.

Bouncing around teams isn't the answer. You need time to get to grips with their system and prove you can be a valuable part of the rotation. Beasley has already done that hard work in Detroit. 

Therefore, he should sign whatever deal Detroit has on the table. If he can replicate his production from last season, bigger contract offers will be waiting for him next summer. However, everything hinges on the decision he makes now and how that decision plays out over the next 12 months.