Malik Beasley has been officially cleared in a federal gambling probe, his attorneys confirmed, potentially reopening the door for the free agent guard to sign with an NBA team after a period of uncertainty that has cast a shadow over his career. The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, concluded that Beasley is no longer a target, ending months of scrutiny linked to irregular betting activity on NBA games during the 2023–24 season.
Beasley’s attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, addressed the matter with ESPN, emphasizing the impact of the investigation on Beasley’s reputation and livelihood. "Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation," Haney said. "An allegation with no charge, indictment, or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik. This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence."
The probe centered around a surge in betting on Beasley’s rebounding props in a game between the Milwaukee Bucks, his team at the time, and the Portland Trail Blazers in January 2024. Oddsmakers noted an unusual spike in bets wagering that Beasley would record fewer than 2.5 rebounds. Beasley finished the game with six rebounds, leading to all those bets losing. The suspicious betting activity triggered federal investigators to look into potential illicit activity.
However, no evidence emerged implicating Beasley in any wrongdoing, and the U.S. Attorney's Office has refrained from filing any charges, keeping the player’s name clear. The NBA issued a statement affirming its cooperation with federal authorities throughout the investigation, a transparency that reflects the league’s commitment to integrity amid rising concerns about gambling-related scandals.
Beasley’s career has otherwise been marked by significant achievements. Most recently, in the 2023–24 season, he averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting 43 percent overall from the field and an impressive 41.6 percent from three-point range. He was a vital offensive weapon and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, playing and starting all 82 regular-season games. His sharpshooting and scoring ability had made him one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2025 market.
Before the probe’s public revelation, Beasley was on the verge of signing a lucrative three-year, $42 million deal with the Detroit Pistons. That potential deal evaporated after the investigation surfaced, leaving Beasley in contractual limbo and potentially costing him millions in earnings. Now that he has been cleared, the field of potential suitors is reopening, though some top offers from teams like the Pistons have likely been reduced or withdrawn. According to those familiar with the situation, Beasley's agents are exploring opportunities with several teams, including the New York Knicks, who reportedly view him as a valuable addition.
Despite the relief brought by this clearance, the ordeal has taken a toll on Beasley. On social media earlier this month, he expressed frustration and a determination to prove himself regardless of the challenges: “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anything in front of me to prove again that I belong in this league.”
Looking forward, Beasley’s focus now turns toward continuing his NBA career and rebuilding his reputation on the court. His talent as a top-tier shooter remains undeniable, and with the cloud of the investigation lifted, he aims to find a team where he can make an immediate impact in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
This development also highlights the broader concerns around gambling’s influence on professional sports, underscoring the NBA’s vigilance and the importance of transparent investigations that protect both the integrity of the game and the rights of the players involved.
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