Malik Beasley, Jalen Brunson, Knicks
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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks dribbles against Malik Beasley and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs.
The New York Knicks continue to build on what has already been a productive offseason. After strengthening their roster with several strategic signings, the front office may have another opportunity on the horizon. The latest development? The sudden availability of elite sharpshooter Malik Beasley, who is back on the free-agent market after being cleared of federal gambling investigation charges.
According to CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland, the Knicks have emerged as a potential landing spot for the prolific marksman — and the fit makes more sense than you might think.
Knicks’ Title Window Demands Action
New York enters the 2025–26 season with expectations at an all-time high. Following their first conference finals run in 25 years, the Knicks have kept most of their core intact while adding Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele as complementary pieces.
Still, more shooting would make a difference. Clarkson helps, but Beasley’s floor spacing would be a significant upgrade.
Beasley’s production last season with the Detroit Pistons was elite. The 28-year-old averaged 16.3 points per game and finished with the second-most three-pointers in the league. He connected on 41.6% from deep while attempting over nine per night.
That kind of volume and accuracy would immediately boost the Knicks’ offense and provide the spacing necessary for deep playoff runs.
The Sign-and-Trade Reality
Here’s the catch: New York doesn’t have much room under the cap. They can only offer a minimum deal, which makes a sign-and-trade the most realistic pathway to bringing Beasley to Madison Square Garden.
The wrinkle? The Knicks just knocked Beasley’s Pistons out of the postseason. It’s fair to wonder if Detroit would be willing to help New York land an elite shooter at a discount.
Why This Move Makes Sense
For the Knicks, this move isn’t just about the regular season. It’s about the playoffs. Beasley’s ability to swing games with his shooting is exactly the type of weapon that can decide a series.
From a basketball standpoint, the fit works. Beasley thrives in a complementary role, spacing the floor, hunting catch-and-shoot looks, and easing pressure off New York’s stars. He would give opposing defenses another headache — and give Jalen Brunson more room to operate.
Breaking: Malik Beasley is no longer a target of the federal gambling investigation conducted by the Eastern District of New York, his attorneys Steve Haney and Mike Schachter told ESPN. This potentially reopens free agency for one of the NBA's top shooters. pic.twitter.com/elbC09hprW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2025
What Comes Next for the Knicks?
With training camp around the corner, New York must weigh the risk and reward of a Beasley pursuit. Their core is strong, but championship windows don’t stay open forever — and one more move could be the difference between another deep run and a missed opportunity.
If the Knicks can find a way to make it work, Beasley could be the missing piece. His elite shooting, paired with a roster built to contend, might give New York the firepower they need to finally take the next step.
Sometimes championships are won in the margins. And Beasley could represent exactly that.