Feb 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates after making a three-point shot against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

'He Can Still End Up Back in Detroit' – Detroit Pistons Labeled as the Most Likely Destination for Free Agent Sharpshooter

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 9:06 AM ET

The Detroit Pistons were on their way to give Malik Beasley a contract extension this summer. However, the front office was forced to pivot after it was revealed that Beasley was the target of a federal investigation connected to gambling.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported recently that this is no longer the case, leaving the door open for Beasley to re-sign with the Detroit Pistons this summer, per CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland.

“Beasley can still end up back in Detroit on a non-Bird rights deal worth $7.2 million annually. The Pistons are still well under the luxury tax line, and while they can’t offer him the same mid-level deal again, they can offer him more than teams that might chase him for the minimum,” Kalland wrote.

Mar 3, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

“Even though they added shooting in Robinson and more wing help in LeVert, they clearly valued Beasley’s skills and were ready to pay him handsomely this summer. I doubt that’s changed entirely because of their other additions,” he added.

Malik Beasley had a productive year with the Detroit Pistons

Before being the subject of a federal investigation connected to gambling, Malik Beasley was balling for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 43.0 percent shooting from the field and 41.6 percent from three-point range.

Mar 30, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) drives towards the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) defends during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Because of his exploits, Beasley was named one of the top candidates for the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year award , alongside Ty Jerome and winner Payton Pritchard.

Now that he’s on the clear, Beasley is expected to have suitors in the open market, which includes the New York Knicks , Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons.