Malik Beasley cleared from gambling probe with Knicks looming as potential free agency fit

Malik Beasley is in the clear. 

ESPN reported on Friday that the NBA veteran “is no longer a target of the federal gambling investigation,” according to his attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter.

The pair reportedly had “extensive conversations” with investigators and “received determination” that Beasley was no longer a target in the federal probe.

“Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation,” Haney told the outlet. “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.”

In late June, it was revealed that Beasley was under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s office over allegations tied to gambling on NBA games and prop bets.

Around January 2024, when Beasley, 28, was with the Bucks, “at least one prominent U.S. sportsbook detected unusual heavy betting interest on Beasley’s statistics,” according to a report from ESPN at the time. 

The free agent sharpshooter had been in talks with the Pistons, whom he played for last season, on a three-year, $42 million deal. 

Earlier this month, Beasley broke his silence on the allegations in a video posted to Snapchat. 

“People were saying some crazy things in the media. If you go on Instagram, you’ll see the craziest s–t. People judging you,” Beasley said. “Have I made mistakes in my life? Yes. Am I proud of those mistakes? No. I’m human. But I know what I know.

“I got a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anybody in front of me. I’m ready to prove again that I belong in this league.”

In the meantime, Beasley’s various money troubles have come to light, with reports that he’s being sued by his former marketing agency for failing to pay back a $650,000 advance and that he’s run up debts with a dentist, landlord and celebrity barber.

The latest news will likely reset Beasley’s free agency journey. 

SNY’s NBA Insider Ian Begley reported Friday that the Knicks “have done background work on Beasley’s situation.”

The Knicks can offer Beasley, who would be a welcome addition to the team’s revamped bench, the veteran minimum. 

But after he averaged 16.3 points per game on 41 percent shooting from three-point range last season, Beasley will likely garner interest from teams across the league.