The New York Knicks have filled out their roster with cost-effective deals this offseason, but they still have room to sign one more player to a veteran-minimum contract.
The Knicks already signed Jordan Clarkson this summer but may still be seeking extra depth in the backcourt. Malik Beasley, who spent last season with the Detroit Pistons, remains a free agent after being linked to a federal gambling investigation. However, the sharpshooter is no longer a target in the investigation and will now look to finalize a new deal.
While a return to Detroit is still possible, Beasley is expected to draw league-wide interest, though he may have to settle for a more modest deal than what could have been available earlier this summer. After a drawn-out saga and a dormant start to free agency, the 28-year-old shooting guard is now ready to move forward and prepare for the 2025-26 campaign.
Knicks eyeing Malik Beasley following federal investigation
The Knicks are reportedly interested in signing Beasley with their final veteran-minimum contract and have been in contact with his representatives, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.
“One name that has entered the conversation is former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, who is no longer a target in a federal gambling investigation,” he wrote. “League sources told The Athletic last month, when Beasley was being investigated and it was clear that Detroit would pivot toward other players, that New York was monitoring Beasley's situation closely.”
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Detroit did pivot, acquiring Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat and giving the sharpshooter a three-year, $48 million deal. The Pistons could still pursue a reunion with Beasley, though multiple teams are expected to be in the mix.
Although he'd have to take a significant pay cut to join New York, Beasley would fill a meaningful role for the Knicks while joining a contending team. Several other franchises may offer him more money, but the chance to contribute to a championship-caliber roster could influence his decision.
Beasley is coming off a productive 2024-25 campaign, during which he appeared in all 82 regular-season games and averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 three-pointers, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists across 27.8 minutes per contest. He shot a career-best 41.6 percent from beyond the arc while sinking 319 three-pointers — just one shy of league leader Anthony Edwards.
Beasley would instantly provide a spark off the bench for New York. If he's willing to take a pay cut, New York is certainly a realistic destination for the former first-round pick.
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