Malik Beasley reportedly could still be charged over gambling probe

Malik Beasley may have gotten some positive news recently regarding the gambling investigation that he has been linked to, but the former Detroit Pistons star is reportedly not in the clear just yet.

Attorneys who represent Beasley told ESPN's Shams Charania last week that Beasley is no longer a target of a federal gambling investigation that is being conducted by the Eastern District of New York. It had been reported in June — just before the start of NBA free agency — that Beasley was the target of an investigation related to bets that were placed on NBA games during the 2023-24 season.

While Beasley may not be a target of the investigation, Dylan Svoboda of the New York Post reported on Tuesday that the 28-year-old is still a "subject" in the federal probe. That means Beasley is "within the scope of the grand jury’s investigation," according to the Department of Justice’s definition of a "subject" in an investigation.

One of Beasley's attorneys, Steve Haney, also admitted in an interview with The Detroit News last week that he has "no idea" if Beasley will be charged.

"That is the frustrating thing," Haney said. "You live in a state of purgatory with a cloud hanging over your head for what? Forever? And you’re out of the league and can never play basketball again?”

That could be unsettling for NBA teams that have interest in Beasley, who averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while playing in all 82 games with the Pistons last season.

As long as he remains a part of the federal investigation, there is a chance Beasley could be charged. The NBA is also expected to conduct its own investigation, which could lead to disciplinary action from the league.

Beasley is a career 39.1 percent three-point shooter. He was expected to return to the Pistons or sign a lucrative deal in free agency before the news of the gambling probe broke. There are several teams that would make sense as suitors for Beasley, but they may want more clarity before financially committing to him.