Top NBA Free Agent Malik Beasley Under Federal Gambling Investigation; Pistons Freeze $42M Deal Talks
Malik Beasley, considered one of the top free agents of the NBA offseason, is reportedly under federal investigation for alleged gambling violations during the 2023–24 season. According to ESPN, the U.S. District Attorney’s office is looking into whether Beasley, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, placed bets on NBA games and prop bets.
Currently signed with the Detroit Pistons, Beasley was in advanced negotiations for a three-year, $42 million contract. However, those talks have been paused amid the ongoing investigation.
Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, emphasized that no charges have been filed, stating, “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.”
The NBA acknowledged the situation and confirmed in a statement that it is “cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.”
During the 2023–24 season, Beasley played all 82 games—setting a career-high—and averaged 16.3 points per game. He also made 319 three-pointers, second only to Anthony Edwards (320), and shot a career-best 42% from deep. Beasley became just the third player in league history to make 300+ threes while shooting at least 40% from beyond the arc.
Beasley, 28, was drafted 19th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2016 and has since played for several NBA teams, including the Timberwolves, Jazz, Lakers, Bucks, and Pistons. Last offseason, he joined Detroit on a one-year deal.
This isn’t Beasley’s first legal issue. In 2021, he was suspended for 12 games following a felony gun charge, for which he served 120 days in jail, received three years’ probation, and completed an anger management program.
The NBA has dealt with gambling-related controversies before. Earlier this year, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was under federal investigation in connection to a sports gambling ring. Former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the league for life in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a similar scandal.
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NBA free agent Malik Beasley is under federal investigation for alleged gambling on NBA games. The Detroit Pistons have paused contract talks amid the probe, per ESPN.
