Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley finds himself at the center of a federal investigation that could dramatically affect his NBA future and potential earnings. On June 29, 2025, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the U.S. District Attorney’s office has launched an inquiry into Beasley over allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season, when he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The investigation has cast a shadow over Beasley’s contract negotiations with the Pistons, who had been in serious talks to bring the sharpshooter back on a new three-year deal reportedly worth $42 million. However, those discussions have now been put on hold pending the outcome of the probe.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed the league is cooperating fully with federal prosecutors, stating, “We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.” This development follows a growing concern within the NBA about gambling-related issues, especially after the league banned Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life in April 2024 for violating gambling rules, including disclosing confidential information to bettors and wagering on NBA games.
Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, emphasized the presumption of innocence, telling ESPN, “An investigation is not a charge. Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.” Haney also confirmed to ABC News that he has been in contact with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York, which is leading the investigation.
The allegations stem from Beasley’s time with the Bucks during the 2023-24 season, when he started a career-high 77 games and averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. A notable incident that raised suspicion occurred during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024, when sportsbooks observed unusual betting patterns on Beasley’s rebounds. Odds for Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds shifted dramatically before the game due to a surge of bets on the under. Despite this, Beasley finished with six rebounds, causing those bets to lose. This spike in betting activity caught the attention of at least one prominent U.S. sportsbook and triggered further scrutiny.
Beasley’s career has been marked by both high performance and moments of adversity. A 2016 first-round pick, he has played for several teams including the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons. Notably, in 2020, Beasley pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to threats of violence and served 120 days in jail after the 2020-21 season. He was also suspended for 12 games by the NBA in 2021 due to this incident. Since then, he has worked to rebuild his reputation and on-court value.
Last season, Beasley had a standout year with the Pistons, signing a modest one-year, $6 million deal that far exceeded expectations. He averaged 16.3 points per game, appeared in all 82 games, and set a Pistons franchise record with 319 made three-pointers. His 41.6% shooting from beyond the arc made him one of the league’s most efficient sharpshooters. His performance earned him a strong second-place finish in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting and established him as a key contributor to Detroit’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
With Beasley’s contract talks now paused, the Pistons face a critical juncture. The team recently selected Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier in the second round of the NBA Draft and is reportedly among the top suitors for free-agent guard Nickeil Walker-Alexander. The uncertainty surrounding Beasley’s situation may increase the urgency for Detroit to pursue these alternative options to bolster their backcourt.
Beasley’s standing in the free-agent market was strong prior to the investigation. Ranked No. 14 on Yahoo Sports’ NBA free agency big board and considered the fourth-best shooting guard available by analyst Morten Stig Jensen, Beasley’s value was clear. His ability to stretch the floor and provide scoring punch off the bench made him a coveted asset. The Pistons were reportedly prepared to either create cap space for the lucrative three-year deal or hope Beasley would accept a mid-level exception contract if cap constraints tightened.
However, the gambling investigation now casts doubt on whether Beasley will secure any new contract, let alone the $42 million deal initially discussed. If found guilty of violating NBA gambling policies, Beasley could face severe penalties, including a potential ban from the league, similar to what happened to Jontay Porter. The NBA has maintained a firm stance against gambling violations to protect the integrity of the game.
The NBA’s vigilance on gambling issues has intensified in recent years. Earlier in 2025, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was reported to be under federal investigation for unusual betting patterns related to a March 2023 game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier has not been charged or sanctioned, but the case underscores the league’s ongoing scrutiny of players’ involvement with gambling.
For now, Malik Beasley remains a free agent as NBA teams can only officially sign players starting July 6, 2025, following the July 1 opening of free agency negotiations. The Pistons and other teams will be watching the federal investigation closely before making any moves involving Beasley.
This situation is unfolding rapidly and will have significant implications for Beasley’s career and the Pistons’ roster construction. As the investigation progresses, the NBA community awaits clarity on the allegations and their impact on one of the league’s most prolific shooters.
