Ty Jerome, Malik Beasley, Cavaliers
Getty
Ty Jerome of the Cleveland Cavaliers posts up against Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are emerging as a strong contender for free agent guard Malik Beasley, who was recently cleared of federal gambling scrutiny, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports, citing league sources.
According to Scotto, the Cavaliers and New York Knicks have both checked in with Beasley as he surveys his options late in the offseason. Both teams are limited to offering the veteran’s minimum.
Beasley Back on Market
Beasley, 27, became an unexpected free agent of note after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that federal investigators closed a probe into his alleged gambling ties. The Detroit Pistons had pulled a planned three-year, $42 million deal once the investigation was launched in June, leaving Beasley unsigned despite coming off the best season of his career.
NBA insider Jake Fischer of “The Stein Line” reported that New York has maintained steady interest. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post added that the Knicks have also touched base with Beasley’s camp.
Productive Year in Detroit
Beasley, 6-foot-4, was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2024-25 after averaging 16.3 points in 82 games for the Pistons. He set a franchise record with 319 three-pointers, proving he can provide instant offense either off the bench or in spot starts.
His shooting and scoring punch could help stabilize Cleveland’s backcourt alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and trade acquisition Lonzo Ball. The Cavaliers are reshaping their rotation after they lost Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro this offseason and could use a proven floor-spacer who thrives in lineups with Garland or Mitchell to ease their playmaking load.
Beasley’s ability to run off screens and punish defenses from deep could also open up driving lanes for Evan Mobley, who is expected to carry more of the offensive burden in his fifth season.
Cavaliers Will Take Time on 14th Roster Spot
The Cavaliers are in no rush to fill a potential 14th roster spot, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
“I just think the Cavs are in no hurry with this kind of situation,” Fedor said via the “Wine and Gold” Podcast. “I think they understand the makeup of this roster, and they understand that guy 14 is really not going to be a consequential member of the Cavs.”
NBA rules dictate that a roster must have at least 14 players under contract by the start of the season, meaning the Cavaliers will need to decide on the 14th player in the coming weeks.
Competition for Beasley’s Signature
Malik Beasley, Knicks
Getty Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs.
While the Cavaliers and Knicks can only offer the minimum, other teams possess more cap flexibility. The Pistons retain Beasley’s non-Bird rights, allowing them to re-sign him for $7.2 million despite already signing Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.
The Brooklyn Nets have roughly $15 million in cap space, while Chicago, Washington and Charlotte all hold the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception valued at $14.1 million.
The Indiana Pacers, adjusting to the loss of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles, have $13.5 million available. Defending champion Oklahoma City can offer $8.5 million, while Miami and Sacramento each have about $7.3 million in room.
Still, the Cavaliers offer Beasley a chance to join a playoff team in win-now mode. ESPN Bet lists Cleveland and New York as co-favorites to win the Eastern Conference at +800.
Beasley’s decision is expected to hinge on his role as much as the contract. For Cleveland, the sharpshooter could represent an ideal low-cost addition to a rotation built around Garland, Mitchell and Mobley.