The Detroit Pistons appear to have made a decision on Malik Beasley’s future as the sharpshooting guard faces a gambling investigation.
The Pistons agreed to a three-year, $48 million contract with former Miami Heat wing Duncan Robinson on Tuesday, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. On paper, Robinson is likely to essentially fill the same role Beasley did for the team last season.
It is likely not a coincidence that Robinson’s deal is similar to the one Beasley was reportedly negotiating with Detroit when news of the investigation broke. That deal would have been worth $42 million over three seasons.
Beasley is the subject of a federal investigation over whether he took part in gambling relating to NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season. Beasley’s attorney responded by saying that Beasley has not been charged with any crime and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Despite that, fans have quickly been able to dig up some suspicious-looking play from Beasley that one could argue adds weight to the allegations.
Robinson fits nicely with what the Pistons would have been looking for after Beasley was no longer an option for them. He has show 39.7 percent from three-point range during his career. He also finished his college career with Michigan, giving him a local tie that should endear him to Detroit fans.