Malik Beasley’s Pistons future uncertain, but he’s made his feelings clear

Malik Beasley is in wait-and-see mode, but one thing is certain: he would love another run with the Pistons, as relayed by Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.

“It’s definitely a place I want to be,” Beasley told reporters after the Pistons were bounced from the playoffs by the Knicks. “To be here, my mom’s hometown, I grew up here a lot in the summertime.

“To be able to perform in front of this city is huge and I’m glad I got a chance to do that.”

Beasley had plenty to be glad about in Year One with the Pistons. He drilled more than 300 threes, becoming just the fifth player in NBA history to do so, and finished as the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.

He also drew rave reviews inside the locker room as a veteran presence on a young roster.

Detroit even entered the summer ready to keep him, planning a three-year, $42 million contract offer. But that changed once reports surfaced that Beasley is under federal investigation related to gambling.

The Pistons pivoted quickly, signing Caris LeVert and executing a sign-and-trade for Duncan Robinson.

Still, Beasley’s camp insists he wants to return.

“I do know that Malik, if there’s a pathway, would like to look at being considered to play for Detroit again next season,” his lawyer Steve Haney said, adding that the mutual interest and financial details are unclear.

The Pistons currently have 13 guaranteed contracts plus Javonte Green on a partial deal. They hold Beasley’s Non-Bird rights, which means they could still bring him back at up to $7.2 million to start.

Over four years, that would equal about $31 million — well shy of what he was originally expecting.

Other teams have kicked the tires, including the Cavaliers, Timberwolves and Knicks. But New York has since loaded its camp roster with veteran shooters like Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Mathews, leaving Detroit as perhaps Beasley’s best hope for stability.

For now, the ball is in the Pistons’ court.