Pistons Pivot from Malik Beasley Amid Federal Gambling Probe

Amid a federal gambling probe, Malik Beasley’s future with Detroit is in doubt (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

As NBA free agency approaches, a legal issue involving Malik Beasley is beginning to reshape the offseason landscape.

Beasley, who spent this past season with the Detroit Pistons, is under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for alleged gambling activity tied to NBA games, sources tell RG. Beasley played in all 82 games for the Pistons this season, averaging 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while providing much-needed scoring and floor spacing. But his off-court issues are again clouding his NBA future.

The situation became a hot topic of conversation among league circles on Saturday and has quickly altered the Pistons’ plans. Talks about a new deal with Beasley have now stalled despite previous momentum on a multiyear deal, and Detroit is actively pursuing other options, league sources tell RG.

Among those options: Caris LeVert and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Sources tell RG that the Pistons have interest in both players as they look to retool their backcourt. But they’re not the only team in the mix. The Atlanta Hawks also have their eyes on Alexander-Walker and are exploring a possible return for LeVert, whom they acquired midseason in the trade that sent De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland.

Alexander-Walker, who averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season, is a hot name among teams seeking two-way impact on the wing. LeVert, who averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 64 games, offers scoring and playmaking punch.

As it stands now, multiple sources tell RG that Alexander-Walker is favored to land in Atlanta, while LeVert is trending toward ending up with the Pistons. But with Beasley’s situation opening up unexpected cap flexibility, things remain fluid. Additionally, the Hawks are also in the market for more shooting and are among the teams with interest in Luke Kennard.

Beasley’s latest off-court development is far from his first. In September 2020, while with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Beasley was arrested after pointing a rifle at a family who had pulled up outside his home during a house-hunting tour. Police later found weapons and marijuana in his home. He was charged with felony threats of violence and fifth-degree drug possession. As part of a plea agreement, Beasley pleaded guilty to the threats charge, and the drug charge was dropped.

In early 2021, he was sentenced to 120 days in jail, though he served 78 days and was released that August. He also received three years of probation, was required to complete anger management courses, and was issued a lifetime ban on gun ownership. The NBA suspended him 12 games without pay. At the time, there were additional concerns. Authorities filed a petition for court-ordered protection of Beasley’s 19-month-old son after surveillance footage showed him pointing a rifle in the child’s direction.

Now in 2025, Beasley is once again under legal scrutiny—this time tied to gambling. As of late June, the federal investigation remains active, but no formal charges have been filed.

There’s also a separate civil matter. Beasley is currently being sued by his former agent, Daniel Hazan, over a financial dispute tied to a marketing advance. That lawsuit, while not criminal, is still winding through the courts and adds another layer to Beasley’s uncertain offseason.

With Beasley’s future in question, Detroit is preparing to move forward.