Beasley back on market after federal investigators drop target status

Malik Beasley is back on the open market after his attorneys said Friday that federal investigators no longer consider the free agent guard a target of a probe into alleged gambling tied to NBA games, potentially reopening his stalled summer of contract talks. The development comes nearly two months after the investigation paused what had been talks for a three year, $42 million deal with his most recent team, the Detroit Pistons, and it has immediately drawn interest from multiple playoff contenders, though questions about his legal and league status remain.

Beasley’s lawyers said they held extensive conversations with investigators in the Eastern District of New York and that their client “remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation,” adding that an allegation without a charge should not carry catastrophic consequences. At the same time, other reports and legal definitions indicate Beasley may still be classified as a “subject” of the probe, meaning his conduct remains within the scope of the grand jury inquiry and that criminal charges remain possible. His attorney acknowledged uncertainty about that outcome, saying he had “no idea” if charges will be filed.