Beasley no longer target of federal gambling investigation, lawyers say

Free-agent wing Malik Beasley is no longer a target in a federal investigation into suspicious betting activity related to his prop bets, his lawyers told ESPN's Shams Charania Friday.

"Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation," attorney Steve 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 investigation by the Eastern District of New York centered on the 2023-24 season when Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Charania.

At least one major U.S. sportsbook reportedly flagged unusual betting activity on Beasley's prop at the start of January.

A gambling industry source pointed ESPN to a Jan. 31 game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers, when the odds on Beasley posting fewer than 2.5 rebounds shortened from approximately +120 to -250 ahead of the contest due to a surge in wagers on the under. Beasley finished with six rebounds.

Beasley was reportedly on the verge of signing a three-year, $42-million contract to return to the Detroit Pistons at the start of free agency, but the deal fell apart after news of the federal investigation surfaced. The Pistons have since added Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green, and the club can now only sign Beasley to a maximum $7.2-million deal for next season. However, as an unrestricted free agent, Beasley can negotiate with all 30 NBA teams.

The 28-year-old averaged 16.3 points for the Pistons while playing in all 82 games last campaign, making 18 starts. Beasley shot a career-best 41.6% from deep on 9.3 attempts per game and finished runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award behind Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard.