Former Utah Jazz Wing Malik Beasley Cleared in Federal Gambling Investigation

Malik Beasley Clears Gambling Allegations, Set to Reignite Free Agency Market

Former Utah Jazz wing Malik Beasley can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the cloud of gambling allegations that overshadowed his offseason appears to have lifted. Recent reports confirm that Beasley is no longer a target in the federal investigation, paving the way for him to re-enter the NBA free agency scene as one of the most sought-after sharpshooters available.

According to report Shams Charania, Beasley’s legal team—attorneys Steve Haney and Mike Schachter—have held multiple discussions with the Eastern District of New York, culminating in the decision that Beasley is no longer under federal scrutiny. “Months after this investigation began, Malik remains uncharged and is no longer the subject of this probe,” Haney said according to report. “It’s deeply unfair that an allegation without any formal charges or convictions has caused such devastating effects on Malik’s career and reputation. This situation has been a stark contradiction to the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’”

NBA gambling allegations update

The allegations, which surfaced during the 2023-24 NBA season, accused Beasley of involvement in gambling related to NBA games and prop bets. These claims brought all negotiations regarding his free agency to an abrupt halt just a day before the market officially opened.

Beasley, who spent part of the 2022-23 season with the Utah Jazz, recently completed a career-best season with the Detroit Pistons. He averaged an impressive 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc—draining over nine three-pointers per contest on average. Prior to the gambling allegations, Detroit was prepared to offer him a lucrative three-year contract worth $42 million, but those talks stalled amid the legal complications.

NBA offseason news, Malik Beasley Stats

During his time with Utah, Beasley played in 55 games before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2023 trade deadline. Over those games, he posted averages of 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, playing a key role in Utah’s rebuilding process. The trade that sent Beasley to Los Angeles also involved high-profile players Russell Westbrook and Mike Conley and secured Utah a top-four protected 2027 first-round pick from the Lakers.

Looking ahead, Beasley’s NBA future remains uncertain but promising. His clearance from the investigation is expected to spark renewed interest from teams around the league. However, a return to Detroit appears unlikely since the Pistons recently signed Duncan Robinson to a significant three-year deal to fill the wing sharpshooter role Beasley might have occupied.

Utah Jazz roster updates

Similarly, a return to the Jazz seems improbable. Utah is currently focused on developing its young talent and managing a crowded roster that already includes 16 players under traditional contracts. While salary cap space might be available, a clear fit for Beasley is lacking in Utah.

With free agency now back on the table, Malik Beasley is poised to attract attention from various NBA franchises eager to bolster their perimeter shooting. Although the Jazz are expected to stay out of the bidding, the coming weeks should reveal where this talented wing will land as teams evaluate their needs and salary cap situations.