Basketball Operations Brief

Gregory spicer – 08/26/2025 – nba / Law

As of August 25, when I started this analysis, I was thinking about how Malik Beasley was put in an unfair situation this summer. The NBA star had multiple suitors, but his offseason came to a halt when he faced illegal gambling accusations.

The accusations stemmed from an uptick in Beasley related bets starting back in January 2024. These props include a game on Jan. 31, 2024, when Beasley was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. His “under 2.5 rebounds” was bet so much that the odds switched from +120 to -250. Interestingly though, Beasley finished the game with six rebounds. This irregularity, along with a cumulative uptick in Beasley props, and social media footage depicting odd behavior from the shooting guard during “garbage time,” started the rumors. 

The potential offense was so serious that it led to an intense federal investigation that ultimately found Beasley NOT GUILTY of any misconduct. 

That was where the good news ended. As of an August 26 update, Beasley is no longer in the clear. His status as the investigation’s “target” has softened, however, he remains a “subject” in a larger gambling investigation. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a subject is someone whose conduct falls under the scope of an investigation (DOJ). Beasley will not be getting examined as closely as he was before, but if his involvement is proven by the Fed’s overarching investigation, he will be charged. 

Outside of Beasley, no other person or party has been officially named as a target. There are other cases that could be related, though. 

• Current NBA player Terry Rozier is also under investigation, but his status has remained as a subject. He was never a “target” like Beasley was. 
• Former player Jontay Porter was already charged and proven guilty of illegal gambling crimes in 2024. 
• San Diego trainer and alleged high stakes gambler, Shane Hennen, was arrested in January for being one of the masterminds behind the Jontay Porter situation. Two other unidentified men also plead guilty in relation to the Porter/Hennen scandal. 

Beasley is now a subject in a case that could be related to the people mentioned above, or a completely different situation. His status as an individual actor is cleared, but the investigation will decide whether he was involved in a group operation. 

This was a rare crossover between the law and professional sports. Originating from an unnamed sportsbook, this investigation is a reminder as to where the true power lies in the sports industry. Don’t mess with the money.

If found guilty, Beasley will be banned from the NBA for life. After that, other “punishments” could all add salt to the wound. Beasley will face hefty fines that he may not be able to pay, as his financial struggles were documented as evidence against him during the investigation. In a worst case scenario, he could also face jail-time.

This investigation has come at a horrible time for Beasley. A free agent, he was expected to sign a 3 year/$42 million dollar contract to return to the Detroit Pistons. This deal was very exciting for both sides. For the Pistons, his veteran consistency and sharpshooting was a key reason they were able to make the playoffs last season. $42 million is a steal based on the value he provided. For Beasley, the career journeyman appeared to have found a home. He was embraced by the fans and in line for one of the biggest contracts of his career. 

chart details how beasley was one of the most efficient shooters in the nba, while taking more 3’s than almost every other player.

His original list of suitors, including the Pistons, have now allocated their money elsewhere. Even if he is able to clear his name, he won’t receive the same length or dollar figure he would have a few months ago.

Beasley has the option to return to Detroit, but it would have to be for a much smaller number. Following the start of the investigation, Detroit redirected and gave a 3 year/$48 million dollar contract to sharpshooter Duncan Robinson. They also further strengthened their backcourt depth by adding guard Caris LaVert on a 2 year/$29 million dollar deal. With stars Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey starting, Robinson and LaVert off the bench, and a much smaller potential salary, Detroit is no longer the top option. 

Here are his potential suitors:

Detroit Pistons – 1 Year/$7.2 Million via Early Bird Rights (175% of his previous salary)

• Offers him the chance to stay in a comfortable situation. 
• Will be in a decreased role while sacrificing a lot of money. 

Indiana Pacers – $12.5 Million AVA via Non-Taxpayer Midline Exception 

• Gives him the chance to earn a higher salary. 
• Lots of opportunity in the rotation with all-star Tyrese Haliburton out for the year.

Sacramento Kings – $12.5 Million AVA via Non-Taxpayer Midline Exception

• A team that could desperately use Beasley’s shooting. 
• Unlikely option given their continued pursuit of Russell Westbrook. 

New York Knicks – 2.5/3.5 Million AVA via Veteran Minimum Exception

• Offer’s Beasley the best chance to get minutes on a winning team. 
• Very little financial incentive. 

Cleveland Cavaliers – Veteran Minimum Salary

• Another chance for Beasley to receive minutes on an elite team. 
• Worst option financially.

Brooklyn Nets – $40 Million Available In Cap Space

• The only team that can still offer Beasley a contract near his original number. 
• A young team that likely won’t be in the market for a veteran guard. 

Malik Beasley is one of the most talented role players in the NBA, and we can only hope that this is a false accusation. In a riveting saga that involves the NBA, gambling, the law, and free agency, teams and fans alike will be watching carefully to see how it all plays out.

chart details more advanced shooting analytics. it shows that beasley was a very proficient shooter on 3-pointers off the catch and contested.