Malik Beasley cleared in gambling probe: Three teams that could sign the sharpshooter

While it was once a possibility that his NBA career had come to a sudden close, Malik Beasley is once again free to sign with any NBA team. 

After knocking down 309 three-pointers in 2024-25 and nearly inking a new three-year, $42 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, Beasley's plans for the future were quickly put on hold. In June, authorities began investigating the sharpshooter before launching an offici al investigation into allegations of gambling within the league.

Now, nearly two months later, Beasley has been officially exonerated from this federal gambling investigation. 

In some ways, the damage has already been done, though. The contract Beasley once hoped to sign with Detroit is long gone after the team brought in Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. But that doesn't mean his time with the Pistons is over.

Here are three teams that could sign Beasley now that his professional future is no longer hanging in the balance.

Detroit Pistons

While it seems likely that the 28-year-old returns to the Pistons after a career renaissance, the most Beasley could sign for 2025-26 is $7.2 million, accordi ng to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks.

Detroit made sure to retain its final roster spot while closely monitoring Beasley's situation. But if he does decide to find a new home, it won't happen because of a massive payday.

Beasley's best chance outside of Detroit is joining a bona fide contender on another "prove it" deal. At this point in the summer, free-agency money has already dried up. But that doesn't mean the nine-year veteran isn't a coveted asset for teams with championship aspirations.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are the main known team outside of Detroit that has shown significant interest in Beasley. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, New York has kept close tabs on him since the Knicks' first-round playoff bout with the Pistons.

New York already shored up its guard depth in a big way with the signing of Jordan Clarkson. But the team would be delighted to add another capable scorer in Beasley, especially on a veteran's minimum deal.

After using the taxpayer portion of the team's mid-level exception on Guerschon Yabusele, New York wouldn't have much to offer Beasley outside of a shot at a title. 

Following a year that saw him average 16.3 points on a blazing 41.3% from deep, accepting the minimum may be too tough a pill to swallow for Beasley. If not, though, he could be an underra ted addition to a Knicks roster with a serious chance to bring home the city's first title in over 50 years. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Malik Beasley joining the Oklahoma City Thunder would be a classic example of the rich getting richer. After winning the franchise's first title last season, the Thunder don't have any notable weak spots.

With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a talented cast of well-rounded scorers and defenders, a prominent role wouldn't be a guarantee for Beasley. But he would have the opportunity to serve in a unique role as OKC's lone experienced sharpshooter. 

Beasley would be the third-oldest player on an incredibly youthful Thunder squad. He wouldn't have as flashy a role as he did in Detroit last season, but Beasley would be a strong get with a coveted skill set for the reigning champs.