NBA free agent Malik Beasley is no longer under federal investigation over alleged gambling ties, his attorneys confirmed, ending weeks of speculation that had clouded his playing future.
Beasley’s Lawyers Push Back on Allegations
Beasley’s legal team, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, told ESPN they’ve held several “extensive” discussions with the Eastern District of New York authorities. According to them, federal prosecutors have clarified that Beasley is not a target in their probe.
“Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation,” Haney said. His comments stressed how damaging the rumours had already been. He argued that “an allegation with no charge, indictment or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik.”
That line hits home. It’s essentially a reminder of how easily reputations get dented in high-profile sports cases, even before charges are brought.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Brooklyn declined to comment. Beasley’s lawyers didn’t return follow-up requests from the Associated Press.
Timing That Couldn’t Have Been Worse
The timing of the investigation was brutal for Beasley’s career. Last season, he signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Detroit Pistons. It was meant to be a springboard for a bigger payday in free agency this summer.
Instead, rumours around the probe threatened to overshadow his breakout year. He averaged 16.3 points per game and became only the fifth player in NBA history to hit 300 three-pointers in a season. His 319 triples set a franchise record, and he did it while helping push Detroit into the playoffs.
And then, suddenly, headlines weren’t about his numbers, but about gambling.
Echoes of the Jontay Porter Case
The news about Beasley came just over a year after Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for his role in a betting scandal. Porter admitted to participating in a $1 million gambling scheme, pleading guilty to wire fraud.
That case rattled the league. It forced uncomfortable conversations about the NBA’s close ties with sports betting companies, and whether players could be trusted to steer clear of temptation.
Beasley’s name being linked to any gambling investigation immediately triggered alarm bells. For many fans, the shadow of Porter’s ban made it difficult to separate suspicion from fact.
What the Numbers Say
To understand why Beasley’s situation matters beyond just legal headlines, it’s worth looking at the numbers:
| Player | 3-Pointers Made in a Season | Year | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 402 | 2015–16 | Warriors |
| James Harden | 378 | 2018–19 | Rockets |
| Damian Lillard | 354 | 2019–20 | Blazers |
| Klay Thompson | 301 | 2015–16 | Warriors |
| Malik Beasley | 319 | 2024–25 | Pistons |
Beasley is now in elite company. That list features household names and MVPs. His ability to produce those numbers under pressure says a lot about his potential value to any team looking for perimeter scoring.
The Human Cost of Speculation
But it’s not just stats. Beasley’s lawyers point out how rumours alone damaged his market value. “This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence,” Haney said.
In other words, his chance for a big free-agent contract may already be gone. Teams hesitate to commit millions when there’s any uncertainty hanging over a player. Even after being cleared as a target, some front offices may hesitate.
The case shows how quickly narratives stick in professional sports. Players, unlike corporations, don’t have the luxury of riding out scandals for years. Their careers are short, their earnings windows even shorter.
NBA’s Growing Headache Over Gambling
The bigger story is the NBA’s relationship with gambling. The league has leaned heavily into betting partnerships. Sportsbooks sponsor broadcasts. Odds are flashed across screens during live games.
But as the Porter and Beasley cases illustrate, this close proximity comes with risks. Players are told to avoid gambling connections, yet they’re surrounded by it. Critics say the league needs stronger safeguards to protect both its integrity and its players.
The NBA has not commented publicly on Beasley’s case. However, the league is expected to keep monitoring gambling investigations closely, especially after Commissioner Adam Silver called Porter’s actions “a blatant violation of our rules.”
What Happens Next
Beasley is back in the free-agent pool. Technically, he has a clean slate. Practically, the cloud lingers. Some general managers may see him as a bargain given his shooting ability, others as a risk.
His future depends on whether teams view the clearing of his name as enough. For a player who just joined Curry, Harden, and Lillard in the record books, the hope is that the conversation shifts back to basketball.
