Detroit, MI (July 1, 2025) — Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley is under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for allegedly gambling on NBA games and prop bets, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. The allegations have sent shockwaves across the league, casting a shadow over Beasley’s future and potentially halting a lucrative contract extension.
In a statement released Monday, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed the league’s cooperation with federal prosecutors:
“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.”
The probe reportedly stems from unusual betting activity that triggered red flags at a prominent U.S. sportsbook in January 2024, when Beasley was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. According to ESPN gambling reporter David Payne Purdum, the activity was tied to prop bets involving Beasley’s in-game performance.
Breakout Season in Detroit
The 28-year-old sharpshooter signed a one-year, $6 million deal with Detroit ahead of the 2024–25 season and proved to be one of the best value signings in the league. Beasley averaged 16.3 points per game, shot 41% from three-point range, and finished second in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Beasley’s 319 made three-pointers trailed only Anthony Edwards (320) across the NBA, and he joined Stephen Curry and James Harden as the only players in league history to hit 300+ threes in a single season while shooting at least 40% from deep.
The Pistons, who returned to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019, were reportedly in advanced negotiations to re-sign Beasley to a three-year, $42 million extension before the investigation surfaced. Those talks are now on hold, according to Charania, as the organization evaluates its options amid the uncertainty.
Roster Implications
The Pistons were already active this offseason, selecting Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier in the second round of the NBA Draft and reportedly targeting free-agent guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With Beasley’s status now in limbo, Detroit may accelerate its pursuit of both guards to shore up their perimeter shooting and backcourt depth.
Should the allegations be substantiated, Beasley could face league discipline, including fines, suspensions, or even a permanent ban under the NBA’s gambling policy, which strictly prohibits players from betting on league games or outcomes related to their own performance.
What Comes Next
While no formal charges have been filed as of yet, the investigation is ongoing, and both league officials and front offices around the NBA are watching closely.
For Beasley, whose career has seen both on-court highs and off-court turbulence, the outcome of this investigation could be pivotal. Just one year removed from one of the most prolific three-point shooting seasons in recent memory, his future now hinges on the findings of a federal probe.
The NBA has yet to issue a formal statement beyond confirming its cooperation, and the Detroit Pistons have declined comment on the ongoing investigation.
More updates to follow as this story develops.
