The NBA has formally responded to the ongoing federal investigation into Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley’s alleged involvement in betting on league games.
“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” league spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement released Suday, as first reported byShams Charania.
Beasley, 28, is under scrutiny by the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for suspected gambling activity during the 2023–24 NBA season. The probe reportedly centers on potential bets placed on NBA contests and proposition wagers.
According to Charania, no formal charges have been filed against the veteran guard. Beasley’s legal counsel emphasized that the inquiry remains in the early stages.
“An investigation is not a charge,” said Steve Haney, Beasley’s attorney. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”
The timing of the investigation has significant implications, particularly with free agency approaching. Beasley, who signed a one-year deal with Detroit last offseason, had just completed a strong campaign in which he played all 82 regular season games and averaged 16.3 points per game on 41.6% shooting from three.
Detroit secured a 44-38 record and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference before falling to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. Beasley contributed 14.0 points and 3.3 made threes per game in the series.
The Pistons had entered advanced negotiations with Beasley’s camp on a new three-year, $42 million contract, but sources told ESPN those discussions are currently paused pending the investigation’s outcome.
The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement strictly prohibits all league personnel from betting on NBA games. Violations of that rule can lead to suspension or expulsion from the league.
As of now, the NBA has not disclosed whether it has launched an internal review.
Beasley, a nine-year veteran, has played for seven franchises, including Denver, Minnesota, Utah, the Lakers, Milwaukee, and Detroit. His emergence as a reliable floor spacer in the 2024–25 season elevated his free agency profile heading into July.
Multiple teams were expected to pursue Beasley before the investigation became public, and front offices around the league are monitoring the situation closely.
Free agency begins June 30, with team negotiations officially allowed to commence that evening.
