Malik Beasley recently scored a huge win in the court. He is no longer under federal investigation for an alleged gambling probe. What was supposed to be a great offseason for the Sixth Man of the Year runner-up turned into a legal battle. Days before free agency, the news came that he was under investigation for gambling, and his value on the market tanked.
Now, with the news of his innocence, teams are starting to check back whether he might join them. The latest two to ask are both Eastern Conference contenders: the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks. For Malik Beasley, free agency begins right now. And he is the premier free agent available.
Two Eastern Conference Contenders Want Malik Beasley
Before the news of the federal investigation, Malik Beasley was rumored to re-sign with the Detroit Pistons for a multi-year, multi-million contract the day free agency began. But that is now out of the window. The Pistons pivoted due to uncertainty, and they cannot offer more than a one-year, $7.2 million contract right now. More importantly, the question is whether Beasley wants to go back to Detroit, maybe feeling he was let down.
That has opened the door for other teams that would love to get an offensive guy off the bench. Per Michael Scotto, the Cavs and the Knicks have checked in on Beasley. It is worth noting that Gersson Rosas, who is now a Knicks executive, was the one who signed Beasley to a four-year, $60 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Will he convince him to sign with the Knicks for less money right now?
The Knicks and Cavaliers have checked in on Malik Beasley, sources told @hoopshype. Knicks executive Gersson Rosas signed Beasley to a four-year, $60M deal with the Timberwolves. Knicks and Cavs have minimum deals to offer. Beasley is no longer a target of a federal investigation
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 24, 2025
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How Much Can the Knicks and Cavs Pay?
Both the Cavaliers and the Knicks are over the first apron, making their offers limited. They only have the veteran minimum to offer, something he can easily get from other teams as well. But the challenge is that not many other teams have open roster spots. The Knicks and Cavs have a roster spot and might even be able to offer some quality minutes.
The Knicks, for example, had one of the shortest rotations last season. They did improve with players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, but there is still a need for a wing who can provide shooting and some versatility. New York is also one of the favorites to come out of the East, giving Beasley a chance to compete.
The Cavs, on the other hand, have a deep roster. But they have shown a willingness to play 10 or 11 guys through the season. Their strength was in playing multiple guys for between 20 and 30 minutes. The strategy didn’t pay off, as they entered the playoffs with some injuries. Yet, they finished with the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Next season, they are still among the favorites to come out of the East.
How Good is Beasley?
Last season, Malik finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He averaged 16.3 points on 43% shooting from the floor and 41.6% from three-point range. He did shoot a high volume as well, averaging more than nine three-point attempts. Every team in the league needs shooters, and over the last two seasons, Beasley has averaged better than 40% efficiency from deep. If they can get him on a cheap deal, contenders would love to have him.
In any case, he has several good options to pick from. Whether that is the Pistons, Knicks, or Cavs, he will be among the contending teams in the Eastern Conference.
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