Story by
Allegations Against Former Timberwolves Guard Dropped
- Story by
- Allegations Against Former Timberwolves Guard Dropped
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Over the past handful of months life has been a series of self-inflicted wounds for former Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley . He has been under scrutiny regarding a gambling probe , and also was evicted from his place of residence .
The nine-year NBA veteran has seemingly struggled to stay out of his own way, and it's created a rather chaotic offseason. Recent developments suggest some positives on the horizon however.
Advertisement
Malik Beasley no longer being investigated
It has been a few years since Malik Beasley played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he tangled with Anthony Edwards for the league-lead in three pointers last year and came up one short with 319. This offseason he has been seeking a new contract, and a gambling investigation made that unfruitful. He has now been cleared says ESPN's Shams Charania .
Related Headlines
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 on Friday, potentially reopening free agency for one of the NBA's top shooters.
Haney and Schachter told ESPN that they had extensive conversations and meetings with the Eastern District of New York and received determination on Beasley not being considered the target after allegations regarding gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season.
"Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation," Haney told ESPN. "An allegation with no charge, indictment or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik. This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence."
As Beasley's agent Steve Haney told ESPN, this process has certainly been damaging for Beasley. With the allegations hanging over his head, no team was willing to touch him in free agency. The Detroit Pistons were closing in on a three-year deal worth $42 million for the guard, but it evaporated once this news broke.
Advertisement
During his first season in Detroit Beasley averaged 16.3 points per game and earned Sixth Man of the Year consideration. His 41.6% from deep was a new career-high.
Related: MN Timberwolves Sign Familiar Guard for Final Roster Spot
This wasn't the first time Beasley had been involved with nefarious circumstances. While with the MN Timberwolves in 2020, he pleaded guilty to felony threats of violence. That punishment included 120 days in jail, and was backed by a 12-game suspension from the NBA.
NBA rosters are largely set at this point , but Beasley should find an avenue for playing time somewhere. This investigation likely cost him a long-term deal, but a one-year pact for the 28-year-old should be pretty straightforward. If he can avoid issues throughout the next season, a multi-year contract may be on the table again next offseason.
Advertisement
Related Headlines
