Free agent guard Malik Beasley received some encouraging news this past week as he was reportedly no longer a “target” of the Eastern District of New York probe into sports betting. But he is not completely clear to return to an NBA court as of yet.
Beasley is not considered a target (which can be defined as a person whom a prosecutor has substantial evidence linking them to the commission of a crime), he is still a subject. He can still be charged with a crime, however. Even Beasley’s lawyer is not sure if his client will be fully cleared and able to play basketball again.
Federal authorities were investigating suspicious activity related to sports betting and prop bets, according to ESPN. These actions would have come during the 2023-24 NBA season, when Beasley was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
While Beasley may not be a target from a legal perspective, he is reportedly of interest for one of the Cavs’ final two roster spots. That speculation could intensify given the news of Max Strus’s broken foot which could keep him out of action into the new year. Beasley would slot in nicely as a shooting guard off the bench to fill Strus’ role, but there is a distinct possibility his situation is not resolved for months — plus a potential suspension remains in play.
Beasley’s previous team, the Detroit Pistons, was prepared to offer a very lucrative extension after hitting over 300 three-pointers and finishing second in Sixth-Man of the Year voting — have moved on. Most of the free agency pool has dried up, except for a few restricted free agents that appear to be getting nowhere in contract talks.
That being said, Beasley is the type of player who could put the Cavs in even higher esteem. His hot shooting off the bench could prove lethal against second units and even starters, should he remain one of the league’s best from beyond the arc. But the risks, namely the legal and character concerns as well as maintaining his outstanding shooting — may outweigh those positives.