Detroit Pistons free agent Malik Beasley no doubt breathed a sigh of relief late last month when he was dropped from a federal investigation into illegal sports gambling. The runner-up for NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024-25 has been stuck in free agent limbo this summer as allegations of improper involvement in gambling have dogged him, making him all but untouchable despite his glittery three-point percentage and fine defense.
Just when Beasley thought he was out, the NBA may be dragging him back in. ESPN is reporting that the league is conducting its own internal investigation which is “believed to be in its final stages” per an unnamed source.
Unusual action surrounding Beasley’s individual prop bets are at the heart of the matter, according to the report. The article explains:
At least one U.S. sportsbook detected unusual betting interest on Beasley’s statistics beginning around January 2024, according to a gambling industry source.
The source pointed to a game between the Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2024. The odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds moved significantly before the game, shortening from around +120 to -250 due to a surge of action on the under. Beasley finished with six rebounds, and the bets deemed unusual lost.
For now, Beasley remains unsigned. He averaged 16.3 points in 27.8 minutes per game in 82 appearances for the Pistons last season, shooting 43.0% from the floor and 41.6% from the three-point arc.